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U.S. Stocks End Higher Amid Softening Labor Market Data

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The U.S. stock market ended Thursday on a positive note, despite concerns about the labor market, with investors weighing the implications of a potential September rate cut by the Federal Reserve. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.77 percent to 45,621.29, while the S&P 500 added 0.83 percent to 6,502.08. The Nasdaq Composite Index increased 0.98 percent to close at 21,707.69. Ten of the 11 primary S&P 500 sectors finished in positive territory, led by consumer discretionary and communication services.

Key Takeaways:

  • U.S. stocks ended higher on Thursday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising 0.77 percent to 45,621.29.
  • The S&P 500 added 0.83 percent to 6,502.08, while the Nasdaq Composite Index increased 0.98 percent to close at 21,707.69.
  • Ten of the 11 primary S&P 500 sectors finished in positive territory, led by consumer discretionary and communication services.
  • Big tech shares provided strong support for the market, with Amazon surging 4.29 percent to lead Dow advancers.
  • Private-sector job growth in the United States slowed sharply in August, with ADP reporting just 54,000 new jobs in the sector, below forecasts.
  • Weekly jobless claims came in higher than expected, reaching the highest level since June.
  • The data followed July's weaker-than-expected job openings, adding to signs of cooling in the labor market.
  • Traders now see a 97 percent chance of a September Fed rate cut, with the Federal Reserve's free pass on the labor market having ended.

Statistics:

  • 45,621.29: The Dow Jones Industrial Average's closing price on Thursday.
  • 6,502.08: The S&P 500's closing price on Thursday.
  • 21,707.69: The Nasdaq Composite Index's closing price on Thursday.
  • 0.77 percent: The Dow Jones Industrial Average's increase on Thursday.
  • 0.83 percent: The S&P 500's increase on Thursday.
  • 0.98 percent: The Nasdaq Composite Index's increase on Thursday.
  • 54,000: The number of new jobs reported by ADP in the private sector in August.
  • 97 percent: The chance of a September Fed rate cut, as seen by traders.

Sources:

  • Xinhua News Agency, "U.S. stocks end higher on softening labor market data" (September 4, 2025)
  • COMTEX, "U.S. stocks end higher on softening labor market data" (September 4, 2025)

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