The U.S. Labor Department released the labour market data on Friday. The U.S. economy added 257,000 jobs in January, exceeding expectations for a rise of 231,000 jobs, after a gain of 329,000 jobs in December. December's figure was revised up from a rise of 252,000 jobs.

The strongest job gains showed retail trade, construction and health care.

The U.S. unemployment rate rose to 5.7% in January from 5.6% in December as the number of job seekers grew. Analysts had expected the unemployment rate to remain unchanged at 5.6%.

Average hourly earnings increased 0.5% in January, beating forecasts of a 0.2% gain, after a 0.2% drop in December.

The labour-force participation rate rose to 62.9% in January.

These figures are signs that the labour market in the U.S. is strengthening. But the Fed might delay to hike its interest rate due to the weak wage growth figures and low inflation.