The U.S. Department of Labor reported on Friday that American employers added 150,000 workers to their workforce in October. However, the unemployment rate saw an increase, rising to 3.9 percent.

Economists had anticipated an addition of 179,000 jobs, especially after the September payrolls showed a significant increase of 336,000, more than double the anticipated 160,000.

It’s worth noting that the September figure was later revised down to 297,000, and the August jobs figure was also revised, decreasing from 227,000 to 165,000.

The unemployment rate was expected to remain steady at the previous month’s 3.8 percent, Breitbart News reported.

The lower-than-expected job growth might provide the Federal Reserve with more flexibility to postpone any further interest rate hikes when they convene in December.

The Federal Reserve has been working to temper the demand for labor, as they have concerns that higher wages could contribute to inflationary pressures.

However, their efforts have been met with challenges in recent months due to the rapid pace of hiring and an increase in job openings.

Written by B.C. Begley