The January jobs report revealed a drop in the unemployment rate to 4%, accompanied by payroll gains of 143,000. A Fed interest rate cut in March is now very unlikely.

The central bank is grappling with how quickly to lower interest rates after pausing cuts last month.

The U.S. economy added a smaller-than-expected tally of new jobs last month, but a sharp jump in wage growth and revisions tied to population changes and immigration make for a noisy report that might not indicate broader strength in the labor market.

It's important to understand that the Fed's decision to pause rate cuts will not directly impact mortgage rates. Mortgage rates are actually driven by a range of factors, including the Fed's rate changes. This week's Fed rate decision does, however, have a big influence on where mortgage rates could head.

The Federal Reserve’s decision on Wednesday to keep its overnight bank lending rate where it is — following a full percentage point cut last year — means you still have an opportunity to enjoy solid,

U.S. job growth slowed more than expected in January after robust gains in the prior two months, but a 4.0% unemployment rate probably will give the Federal Reserve cover to hold off cutting interest rates at least until June.

Jobs growth slowed in January but a downtick in the unemployment rate, an uptick in wage growth and revisions to prior hiring figures should keep the Federal Reserve on hold when it comes to interest rates,