US job growth slowed more than expected in December, but a pick-up in monthly wage gains pointed to labor market strength.

Economists saw the figures, after a recent stretch of solid economic data, as supporting the case for a March interest rate hike but offering few clues over monetary policy further on.

Higher US rates could dampen demand for emerging market assets, which offer higher yields.

Currencies from Brazil, Mexico and Chile were nearly flat following a rally in the first days of the year.

Brazil's benchmark Bovespa stock index held near all-time highs as profit-taking kept a lid on gains.

Shares of homebuilder Cyrela Brazil Realty SA were among the biggest gainers after Morgan Stanley upgraded its recommendation on the stock to "overweight" from "underweight."