In the pre-market trading on Friday, U.S. index futures showed an uncertain trend, following the day when the S&P 500 marked its 16th annual record. Investors are on hold for the February jobs report, eager for new data that could reveal the current state of the American labor market.

At 05:47 AM, the Dow Jones Industrial Average futures (DOWI:DJI) fell 46 points, or 0.12%. The S&P 500 futures advanced 0.09%, and the Nasdaq-100 futures increased 0.03%. The yield on 10-year Treasury notes was at 4.073%.

In the commodities market, the West Texas Intermediate crude oil for April fell 0.14%, to $78.82 per barrel. Brent crude oil for May fell 0.11%, close to $82.87 per barrel. The benchmark April iron ore on the Singapore Exchange fell 1.56%, to $114.9 per metric ton. The iron ore traded on the Dalian exchange fell 1.13%, to $121.99.

Asian and Pacific stock markets ended higher, boosted by Wall Street’s positive reaction to signs of US interest rate cuts. Highlights include China, where technology and telecommunications stocks stood out after ministerial promises to strengthen the sector, in line with speeches at the National People’s Congress. Major indices such as Shanghai SE (+0.61%), Nikkei (+0.23%), Hang Seng (+0.76%), Kospi (+1.24%), and ASX 200 (+1.07%) recorded significant gains.

European markets show modest variations, reflecting investors’ caution after the ECB’s inflation forecast revision and in anticipation of new US employment data. Adjustments in inflation expectations for 2024 and the maintenance of interest rates drove moderate optimism.

On the US economic agenda this Friday, the US Department of Labor will reveal the payroll data and the unemployment rate for January at 08:30 AM. Analysts consulted by LSEG expect a growth of 200,000 and an unemployment rate of 3.7% – signs of a slowing labor market, but one that is still relatively strong.

After a rebound on Wednesday, US stocks surged on Thursday, with the main indices recovering the week’s losses. The Dow Jones grew by 0.34%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq reached new highs, jumping 1.03% and 1.51%, respectively.

Optimism came after statements by the Federal Reserve chairman about possible interest rate cuts, boosting the market. Sectors such as semiconductors and oil services stood out. On the economic front, the released data presented a mixed panorama. On one hand, the Department of Labor’s report indicated stability in initial unemployment insurance claims, remaining at 217,000, signaling a resilience of the labor market. On the other hand, the Department of Commerce reported an increase in the US trade deficit to $67.4 billion in January, reflecting growth in imports that outpaced the modest advance in exports.

In terms of quarterly results, companies scheduled to present financial reports include America’s Car-Mart (NASDAQ:CRMT), Algonquin Power & Utilities (NYSE:AQN), Bio-Path Holdings (NASDAQ:BPTH), Genesco (NYSE:GCO), NCS Multistage Holdings (NASDAQ:NCSM), Silvercrest (NASDAQ:SAMG), among others.

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