(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%.