PARIS (Reuters) – The New York Stock Exchange opened higher on Thursday, with investors positioning themselves for the publication of the monthly report on American employment after a burst of encouraging data.
In early trading, the Dow Jones index gained 259.91 points, or 0.66% to 39,387.05 points and the broader Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 0.77% to 5,251.86 points. The Nasdaq Composite takes 0.87% or 141.91 points, to 16,419.368.
The US employment report for March will be published on Friday, a crucial indicator for gauging the resistance of labor markets across the Atlantic.
New unemployment claims, published on Thursday, also showed a clear increase, somewhat reassuring investors.
On Wednesday, the ISM indicator of services activity was weaker than expected for March, even though the sector is one of the main contributors to inflation resistance.
Comments from monetary policy makers, including Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, finally gave credence to the idea that rates would fall this year, probably in the summer.
Several other officials are expected to speak before the jobs report is released, including Thomas Barkin and Loretta Mester.
In terms of values, Levi Strauss gained 17.2%, the group having raised its annual profit forecasts. Job cuts and lower discounts on its clothing are lowering costs.
*For values to track, click
(Written by Corentin Chappron, edited by)
Copyright © 2024 Thomson Reuters