U.S. stocks finished higher following a weaker-than-expected jobs report which eased rate hike expectations. Nonfarm payrolls rose by only 29,000, significantly below economists' forecasts of 90,000. The S&P 500 real estate index and small-cap Russell 2000 gained approximately 1% due to reassessed Fed rate increase likelihood. Despite this, the Dow and S&P 500 recorded declines for four out of five weeks.
Fed officials tempered expectations for an October rate hike after Philip Jefferson and John Williams stressed patience and data dependence. Markets sharply reduced hike odds, though persistent inflation and upcoming consumer price data could shape the Federal Reserve’s policy decision.
US stocks rose, with the Nasdaq Composite hitting a record high after disappointing jobs data emerged. Lower Treasury yields and declining oil prices contributed to the positive market sentiment. Notable gains were observed in semiconductor stocks, with Nvidia reaching an intraday record high. Nike's shares fell due to forecasts of a significant revenue decline linked to challenges in China.
US equity exchanges will begin extended trading hours with an overnight session from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. starting December 6. The changes aim to cater to growing foreign investor interest and compete with crypto markets. However, concerns about market liquidity and increased risks during these hours are prevalent among institutional investors. Pre-existing trading volumes suggest that institutional participation during night hours may be limited.
Last month, the US economy added only 29,000 jobs, significantly below the economists’ forecast of 90,000 jobs. The unemployment rate rose to 4.2%, indicating a slight deterioration in the labor market. Traders decreased expectations for another Federal Reserve interest rate hike later this year, with less than a 20% chance for October. Despite a recent rate increase, inflationary pressures remain a concern for policymakers.
Nike has faced significant challenges under Elliott Hill, who was brought out of retirement to stabilize the company. Despite efforts to rebuild relationships with retailers and focus on sports products, revenue continues to decline. The company announced job cuts and projected further declines in sales and profit for the upcoming fiscal year. Nike is also contending with performance issues in its markets, particularly in China.
Global equity funds attracted $34.76 billion in the week through September 30, marking a second straight week of inflows as optimism around AI investment and softer US inflation pushed up investor demand for stocks despite rising bond. US, European and Asian equity funds all saw inflows, while emerging-market equity funds posted outflows for a fourth consecutive week.
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