Key points:

  • All major sectors of the S&P 500 index showed gains.
  • Growth leaders: communication services sector, industrial sector, technology sector.
  • After the strong unemployment report, the Fed is expected to cut two interest rates instead of three.

On Friday, US stock indices showed positive dynamics, finishing trading higher. This was facilitated by the released employment report, which exceeded analysts’ expectations and strengthened confidence in the stability of the American economy. Despite ongoing speculation that the Federal Reserve may delay interest rate cuts, investors reacted positively to labor market data, which led to an increase in key stock market indicators.

At the opening of the new trading session, there was an increase in the main US stock indices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 307.06 points, or 0.80%, to 38,904.04. The S&P 500 rose 57.13 points, or 1.11%, to 5,204.34. The Nasdaq Composite Index also showed positive dynamics, adding 199.44 points, or 1.24%, to reach 16,248.52.

All sectors of the S&P 500 closed in the green

All major sectors of the S&P 500 index showed positive dynamics. The growth leaders were the communication services sector, the industrial sector and the technology sector.

Tesla shares fell 3.6% against the general market trend. This comes after reports that the company has abandoned the release of a low-cost electric car model that could have made it a competitor to mainstream automakers.

Among the top performers of the day were shares of Krispy Kreme, which rose 7.3% after analysts at Piper Sandler upgraded the chain’s rating from neutral to overweight. Shockwave Medical shares added 2% after Johnson & Johnson announced it would be acquired for $12.5 billion.

Trading volume on US exchanges was 10.11 billion shares, slightly below the average of 11.76 billion over the last 20 trading days.

The S&P 500 hit 20 new 52-week highs and 5 new lows. The Nasdaq Composite Index recorded 67 new highs and 136 new lows.

Non-farm payrolls data was stronger than expected

The March 2024 US jobs report beat expectations, showing strong economic growth.

The US Labor Department reported that significantly more jobs were created in March than analysts had predicted. At the same time, there was a steady increase in wages. These data indicate that the US economy ended the first quarter of 2024 on solid ground.

Tom Plumb, president and manager of Plumb Funds, said the data will increase expectations that the Fed will delay interest rate cuts. He notes that the lack of signs of a recession makes a rate cut less likely than previously thought.

Plumb also emphasizes that sustained economic growth does not necessarily lead to inflation. The March jobs report, although representing just one month of data, confirms that the likelihood of a recession is low. This is more important than expectations regarding the timing of interest rate cuts.

Money markets are now forecasting two rate cuts in 2024, down from three forecasts a few weeks ago.