Investors Hold Steady as Payroll Data Looms

U.S. stocks ended slightly lower as investors awaited Friday's monthly jobs report and further clues on interest rates. U.S. data on initial jobless claims indicated a resilient labor market, but concerns remained about the Federal Reserve's stance on rates. Benchmark U.S. Treasury yields eased after hitting their highest level since 2007 earlier this week. The S&P 500 held above its 200-day moving average. Decliners included Clorox, which forecasted a Q1 loss, and Dell Technologies, whose revenue forecast suggested a delay in AI-driven growth. Investors are now looking forward to third-quarter earnings reports.