Technology Sector Leads Gains Ahead of US Employment Data
As Wall Street anticipates the upcoming US jobs report, stocks advanced, propelled by major technology firms. Treasury bonds also saw an uptick, whereas the dollar experienced a decline.
On the eve of crucial employment data release, jobless claims exceeded expectations, hinting at potential job cuts. This scenario might support the Federal Reserve’s move towards rate reductions. Although these figures don’t dominate trading sentiments, they emerge amid recent evidence of labor market resilience. The forthcoming monthly employment report is predicted to reveal a 215,000 increase in nonfarm payrolls, marking a slowdown from previous months but continuing a trend of robust employment growth.
The S&P 500 made strides in recovering its weekly losses, with the Nasdaq 100, bolstered by technology giants like Microsoft Corp. and Nvidia Corp., leading the charge. The yield on 10-year Treasury bonds dropped to 4.32%.
Market participants are also attuned to comments from Federal Reserve officials following Chair Jerome Powell’s indication that rate cuts would require more definitive signs of declining inflation, despite a recent inflation uptick not significantly altering the overall trend.
Corporate Updates:
- Ford Motor Co. ( $F) has postponed the launch of its electric SUV by two years, affecting 2,700 workers in Canada.
- Boeing Co. ( $BA) faces deepening challenges with its 737 Max, exacerbating a shortage of narrowbody aircraft and driving up rental costs.
- Levi Strauss & Co. ( $LEVI) exceeded first-quarter sales and profit expectations, prompting an optimistic forecast for the year.
- Amylyx Pharmaceuticals Inc. ( $AMLX) decided to withdraw its drug for a fatal nerve disease following unsuccessful trial results.
- Block Inc’s ( $SQ) rating was downgraded by Morgan Stanley due to perceived limited growth opportunities for its Cash App services.
Market Overview:
- The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 experienced gains, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average and Stoxx Europe 600 also saw increases.
- The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index and major currencies like the euro, British pound, and Japanese yen moved in various directions, reflecting market adjustments.
- In the cryptocurrency sector, Bitcoin and Ether both posted gains.
- Bond yields, including those for 10-year Treasuries, Germany, and Britain, showed declines.
- Commodity prices for crude oil and gold varied, highlighting the market’s reaction to global economic indicators and corporate news.
