The US economy added 64,000 jobs in November with the unemployment rate rising to 4.6%, the highest in over four years, indicating persistent weakness in the labor market amid revisions and delayed data due to the government shutdown, with the Federal Reserve responding by cutting interest rates to counteract the slowdown.
US stock markets wavered after a significant downward revision to US jobs data, indicating increased labor market weakness, which influences expectations for upcoming Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. The Dow slightly rose, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq declined, amid ongoing debates about the size of potential rate cuts and upcoming inflation reports. Meanwhile, oil prices rose due to Middle East tensions, and major tech and pharma companies announced significant deals and earnings.