U.S. Employers Add 303,000 Jobs in January, Showing Economic Vigor Despite Consumer Worries

• Employers hired 303,000 workers in January, far exceeding expectations and showing economic strength • Unemployment rate held steady at 3.8%, near 50-year low • Strong jobs data coincides with dip in consumer sentiment and lukewarm attitudes about the economy • Inflation has fallen but remains above Fed 2% target; high costs still frustrating consumers • Jobs growth could delay Fed rate cuts but shows overall economic health