July 5 (Reuters) - U.S. stock index futures rose on

Friday after the unemployment rate increased, raising hopes for

forthcoming policy easing from the Federal Reserve.

The unemployment rate came in at 4.1%, where it was expected

to remain unchanged at 4%. Average hourly earnings rose 0.3% on

a monthly basis, in line with forecasts.

The Labor Department's report showed non-farm payrolls rose

by 206,000 jobs in June, where economists polled by Reuters

forecast an increase of 190,000.

At 8:33 a.m. ET, Dow e-minis were up 44 points, or

0.11%, S&P 500 e-minis were up 7.75 points, or 0.14%,

and Nasdaq 100 e-minis were up 58.25 points, or 0.29%.