India, Feb. 13 -- A stronger-than-expected January jobs report has lifted market sentiment, but several economists say the data may not be as solid as the headline suggests. Figures released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics showed the unemployment rate edging down to 4.3% from 4.4%, with 130,000 jobs added in January - about double economists' forecasts.

Following the release, futures linked to the S&P 500 rose 0.32% after the index closed flat at 6,941 in the previous session.

Analysts are questioning the report primarily because of sharp downward revisions to prior data and because much of January's hiring came from health care, raising doubts about whether the gains reflect broad-based strength.

The surprise strength has prompte...