The labor force participation rate among women ages 25 to 54, their prime working years, dipped to 78.1% September, from 78.4% in August. But that number is still hovering at record levels, and it’s been climbing steadily to new heights through 2024.

The US added 254,000 jobs in September, the most in six months. The estimate was for 150,000. The unemployment rate fell to 4.1% and hourly earnings increased 0.4%, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics’ figures released Friday.

September’s jobs report, due out Friday morning, is expected to show that the US labor market has slowed somewhat but remains on solid footing.

Wages for U.S. workers tracked up in September as average hourly earnings for all employees on private, non-farm payrolls increased by 13 cents, or 0.4%, to $35.36, according to the Labor Department. Over the past 12 months, average hourly earnings have increased by 4%.

Key Takeaways Market participants are pricing in deeper interest rate cuts than Federal Reserve Officials projected recently.Experts say that, if economic data comes in strong over the next few months,