Paul Wiseman, Associated Press

The report provided a somewhat blurry view of the job market at the end of a presidential race that has pivoted heavily on voters’ feelings about the economy.

The latest figures reflect surprising durability just as Americans assess the state of the economy in the final stretch of the presidential race.

The latest figures suggest that many companies are still confident enough to fill jobs despite the continued pressure of high interest rates.

The nation’s economy slowed in the face of high interest rates, but consumers — the main driver of economic growth — kept spending at a solid pace.

America’s employers delivered another healthy month of hiring in February, again showcasing the economy’s resilience in the face of high interest rates.

Across the United States, chronic worker shortages have led many companies to invest in machines to do some of the work they can’t find people to do.

The nation’s employers delivered a stunning burst of hiring to begin 2024, adding 353,000 jobs in January in the latest sign of the economy’s continuing ability to shrug off the highest interest rates in two decades.

Americans showed a continued willingness to spend freely despite high interest rates and price levels that have frustrated many households.

Housing costs accounted for more than half the increase in prices from November to December.

The unemployment rate rose from 3.5% to 3.8%, the highest level since February 2022 though still low by historical standards.

Excluding volatile food and energy costs, so-called core inflation matched the smallest monthly rise in nearly two years, a sign that the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes have continued to slow price increases.

Last month’s hiring was solid, considering that the Federal Reserve has raised its benchmark interest 11 times since March 2022.

Companies plowed more money into factories and equipment. Increased spending by state and local governments also helped fuel growth.

The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge gave an alarming sign that price pressures remain entrenched in the U.S. economy.

January’s job growth, which far exceeded December’s 269,000 gain, could raise doubts about whether inflation pressures will ease further in the months ahead.