[New York Stock Market Close] Mixed signals from employment data... S&P 500 down, Nasdaq up

2025-12-17 01:28:19

Source: BlockMedia Original Title: [New York Stock Market Close] Mixed Signals in Employment Data Lead to Mixed Results… S&P 500 Down, Nasdaq Up Original Link: https://www.blockmedia.co.kr/archives/1020856 On the 16th(local time), the New York Stock Exchange closed mixed. Despite employment growth exceeding expectations, high unemployment rates and downward revisions of previous month’s figures dampened investor sentiment, leading to the S&P 500 and Dow indices falling for three consecutive days.

The S&P 500 index closed at 6,800.26, down 16.25 points(0.24%), continuing its three-day losing streak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished at 48,114.26, down 302.30 points(0.62%). Meanwhile, the Nasdaq Composite rose by 54.05 points(0.23%) to close at 23,111.46. The Russell 2000 small-cap index declined by 2.06 points(0.82%) to 249.87.

Early in the session, employment data exceeding expectations sparked some rebound, but the sharp downward revision of previous month’s figures and rising unemployment rate announced simultaneously again suppressed market confidence in economic recovery.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics(BLS), non-farm payroll employment in November increased by 64,000, surpassing market expectations(45,000). However, October employment was revised downward by 105,000, and the unemployment rate rose to 4.6%, higher than the expected(4.5%).

A sharp decline in oil prices also weighed on the market. U.S. crude oil prices fell to their lowest level since early 2021. As a result, energy stocks broadly declined, and major energy-related companies showed downward trends.

Tech stocks experienced a correction following profit-taking sales, continuing from the previous day. Leading AI(AI) stocks declined, and some investors shifted funds into defensive sectors such as healthcare and utilities.

One market analyst commented, “Today’s data shows a snapshot of an economy taking a breather,” adding, “Employment remains steady, but consumption is slowing. This provides the Fed with room to change its stance.”

Another analyst said, “The sell-off centered on AI and tech stocks is a natural correction,” and “The market is actually expanding on a broader base, and this is not an abnormal trend.”

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