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Wall Street Futures Edge Higher as Soft Jobs Data Fuels Rate-Cut Hopes

  US stock futures ticked upward on Wednesday, extending Wall Street’s rebound as investors digested a weaker-than-expected ADP employment report. The data showed a surprise decline in private-sector payrolls, reinforcing expectations that the Federal Reserve may move forward with an interest rate cut at its upcoming December meeting. Market Performance Dow Jones Industrial Average futures rose about 0.2%, adding 80 points to 47,624. S&P 500 futures gained 9.25 points to 6,849.50, up 0.14%. Nasdaq 100 futures advanced 25.50 points to 25,631.50, a 0.10% increase. Key Drivers The ADP jobs report revealed a drop in private-sector employment, signaling cooling labor market conditions. This bolstered investor confidence that the Fed will ease monetary policy, with markets pricing in nearly 88% odds of a rate cut next week. Tech stocks continued to provide momentum, with Nvidia and Marvell edging higher. Crypto-linked stocks surged, with PMAX up 67%, CMCT up 30%, a...
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Wall Street Nears 5,000 Milestone

 

U.S. stocks continued their upward trajectory, setting more records as evidence mounted of a remarkably solid job market. Here’s a snapshot of today’s market activity:

  • The S&P 500 inched up by 2.85 points, reaching 4,997.91.
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average also achieved an all-time high, edging up by 48.97 points to 38,726.33.
  • The Nasdaq composite gained 37.07 points, closing at 15,793.71.

During the day, the S&P 500 even briefly surpassed the 5,000 level for the first time. While such milestones may seem arbitrary in a market driven by math and financial data, they can offer a psychological boost. Remember, not long ago, experts were predicting a near-certain bear market and recession. Yet, the U.S. economy has defied expectations, and the latest report indicates fewer workers applied for unemployment benefits last week than anticipated.

Investors are increasingly recognizing that positive economic news translates to higher corporate profits, which ultimately benefit stocks. Earnings reports from major U.S. companies have been mixed, with some notable winners:

  • The Walt Disney Co. reported stronger-than-expected profits, benefiting from cost cuts and growth at its theme parks.
  • Ralph Lauren saw robust holiday sales worldwide, particularly in Asia.
  • Arm Holdings, a U.K.-based semiconductor company, exceeded analysts’ expectations.
  • However, PayPal fell short of profit forecasts for 2024, and S&P Global reported weaker profits for the latest quarter.

As Wall Street approaches the 5,000 milestone, it serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come. Amid the market’s emotional swings, staying grounded in data and fundamentals remains crucial. 

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