US Stocks Inch Higher

Futures on the three major US stock indexes were down around 0.2% on Friday, as markets remained closed for the Easter holiday, with investors digesting a stronger-than-expected jobs report and developments in the Middle East. The US economy added 178K jobs in March, nearly three times market forecasts of 60K while the unemployment rate edged down to 4.3% and wage growth slowed. The data reinforced expectations that the Fed will keep the federal funds rate unchanged this year. Investors also continued to assess developments in the Middle East. US President Trump intensified his rhetoric against Iran, threatening to target the country’s infrastructure, including bridges and power plants, while Iran reportedly struck additional sites in Arab Gulf states. On the week, the major averages posted gains, with the S&P 500 rising 3.4%, the Dow Jones adding nearly 3% and the Nasdaq soaring 4.4%.

US stock futures fell slightly on Friday after a mixed Wall Street session, as investors stayed cautious going into the Good Friday break amid persistent Middle East tensions. President Trump warned the conflict with Iran could last weeks and vowed to strike Tehran “extremely hard,” remarks that lifted oil prices and stoked inflation concerns. On the trade front, Trump signed an executive order paving the way for tariffs of up to 100% on certain patented drugs if companies fail to reach agreements with his administration, while reaffirming plans for 50% duties on imported steel, aluminum, and copper. In corporate news, Tesla reported that first-quarter deliveries and production rose year-on-year but fell from the prior quarter, sending shares down more than 5%. Meantime, Globalstar jumped 13% on reports that Amazon may consider an acquisition. The S&P 500 secured its first weekly gain since the war with Tehran began, while the Dow and Nasdaq also posted advances.

US. .stock futures were mixed on Friday after a volatile Wall Street session, where the S&P 500 and Nasdaq eked out modest gains while the Dow slipped. Sentiment stayed fragile as oil prices spiked following President Trump’s warning that the Iran conflict could drag on for weeks, despite saying the U.S. was “getting very close” to ending the war. Travel stocks, including airlines and cruise operators, fell under pressure as rising fuel costs squeezed margins. Tech names were uneven: Tesla slid 5.5% on weaker-than-expected deliveries, while Globalstar jumped 13% after a report said Amazon may pursue an acquisition. The S&P 500 posted its first weekly gain since the conflict began, while the Dow and Nasdaq also advanced. Thursday marked the week’s final trading day ahead of the Good Friday holiday, though investors remain focused on the March jobs report due Friday.