Headline: US Hiring Gauge Softens; Mixed Markets as USD Slips and Oil Climbs
Introduction: Thin holiday trading in North America saw investors digest a cooler read on US employment alongside cautious sentiment in equities, a softer dollar, and firmer commodity prices.
US markets opened on the back foot, weighed by chipmakers after reports that a major investor exited a high-profile semiconductor stake in October. Momentum later rotated into energy, helping the S&P 500 finish modestly higher while the Nasdaq edged lower. The Dow briefly touched a record high. With the US bond market closed for the holiday, liquidity was thinner, emphasizing intraday swings. Small business sentiment barely missed expectations, with the NFIB optimism index at 98.2 versus 98.3 forecast.
Currency markets reacted to a weaker weekly ADP employment print, which showed a decline of 11,250, pressuring the US dollar early in the session. The Swiss franc outperformed while the British pound lagged, though broad dollar selling eased into the close. Commentary pointed to a favorable trajectory for inflation and growing caution around October’s official jobs data, keeping rate expectations and risk appetite in focus for forex traders.
Commodities led the day’s gains. Gold advanced by $13 to $4,129, while WTI crude added $0.81 to $60.94 as traders assessed potential disruptions to Russian exports and simmering US–Venezuela tensions. Energy names outperformed as oil’s bid helped steady broader risk sentiment in an otherwise subdued trading session.
Key Points: – Weekly ADP employment fell by 11,250, pressuring the US dollar early on – NFIB small business optimism printed 98.2 vs 98.3 expected – S&P 500 up 0.2%; Nasdaq slightly lower; Dow touched a record intraday – Gold rose $13 to $4,129; WTI crude gained $0.81 to $60.94 – Swiss franc led FX majors; British pound underperformed – US bond market closed for a holiday, thinning liquidity across markets
