By Howard Schneider and Ann Saphir CHICAGO/PALO ALTO, California (Reuters) - Federal Reserve officials appear on track to cut interest rates this month after data showed the U.S. labor market remained strong but continued to cool in November,

For many investors, Friday's jobs report confirmed expectations that the Federal Reserve is on track to cut interest rates

"Unemployment is going to come down, growth is going to come up, inflation is going to come up," Deutsche Bank's chief US economist said.

A further quarter-point cut in December has been expected, but recent inflation data raised concern that progress may have stalled. One key measure, the personal consumption expenditures price index stripped of food and energy costs, has been mired in a range from 2.6% to 2.8% since May, well above the Fed's 2% target.

With car prices and loan rates high, buyers hope Fed rate cuts will lower car loan payments, easing financial strain.

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis President Alberto Musalem said it may be time for policymakers to slow the pace of interest-rate cuts amid higher than desired inflation and declining concerns over the labor market.

Friday's jobs report virtually cements that the Federal Reserve will approve an interest rate cut when it meets later this month.

The Federal Reserve will almost certainly slash interest rates at its December meeting. Friday’s jobs report sealed the deal, offering the Fed enough breathing room to act without looking reckless. Nonfarm payrolls rose by 227,

Markets widely anticipate the Federal Reserve to cut US interest rates later this month, with officials' concerns on inflation expected to affect the pace of reducing policy next year. Recent rate-cut optimism stems from Friday's US unemployment report,

CNBC's Steve Liesman joins 'Squawk on the Street' to break down the November jobs report.