Japan's Indexes Surged 2% and Yen Remained Under Pressure

Japan's stocks advanced and extended gains over the last seven months amid a recovering market sentiment mirroring Wall Street gains in overnight trading. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average jumped 1.7%, and the broader Topix advanced nearly 2% after a broad rally swept stocks higher across all market caps. 

Expectations for a U.S. rate cut rose after the December policy meeting following sluggish retail sales and producer price inflation data. 

U.S. retail and food services sales advanced 4.3% in September, and producer price inflation held steady at 2.7% from a year ago, respectively. 

The government agencies resumed the release of statistical data after the federal government reopened after a 43-day shutdown.  

Closer to home, investors speculated that the Bank of Japan is more likely to raise rates in December to shore up the faltering yen and stable macroeconomic backdrop.  

The Japanese yen hovered at 156.12 and traded near a nine-month low amid worries about rising government debt. 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average advanced 1.7% to 49,507.55, and the broader Topix inched up 1.9% to 3,352.28. 

Semiconductor equipment makers extended this week's and this year's gains, reflecting a sharp rise in AI stocks in overnight trading in New York. 

Tokyo Electron, Advantest Corp., Disco Corp., Lasertec, and SoftBank advanced between 0.3% and 3.0% in Tokyo on Wednesday.

Nippon Yusen KK decreased 0.9% to ¥4,895.0, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines fell 0.4% to ¥4,395.0, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha rose 0.2% to ¥2,074.0. 

Fast Retailing Ltd. increased 1.7% to ¥56,950.0, Aeon Co. Ltd. advanced 2.2% to ¥2,857.0, and Seven & I Holdings added 1.9% to ¥2,168.50. 

China Markets Extended 3-Day Rally Amid Recovering Market Sentiment

Stocks in China and Hong Kong advanced for the third consecutive session amid recovering market sentiment and resurgent AI trade.

The Hang Seng Index increased 0.4%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index advanced 0.8% as investors awaited the release of domestic macroeconomic data. 

Market indexes in China and Hong Kong extended this week's gains in the hopes that the U.S. Federal Reserve is more likely to lower its benchmark interest rate after a two-day meeting on December 10. 

Expectations were heightened by the latest sluggish macroeconomic data, suggesting that policymakers might opt for prompt action. 

U.S. nominal retail sales, not adjusted for inflation, in September increased 4.3% from a year ago, and producer price inflation held steady at an annual pace of 2.7%. 

Artificial intelligence stocks extended this year's rally, and Alphabet Inc. jumped after a report suggested that Meta Platforms is reviewing the company's advanced chips for its data centers. 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index added 0.4% to 26,004.17, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index edged up 0.8% to 4,527.22. 

Alibaba Group Holding decreased 1.5% to HK $156.0, and the e-commerce platform operator reported a smaller-than-expected 52% decline in profit in its latest quarter. 

Property developers in Hong Kong edged higher amid speculation that the U.S. rate cut would spur the HKMA to lower its reference rate to maintain its currency peg.

Wharf Holdings edged up 0.3% to HK $23.34, Henderson Land Development gained 0.7% to HK $29.94, Sun Hung Kai Properties increased 1.9% to HK $99.45, and Swire Properties inched up 0.6% to HK $22.04. 

China Markets Extended 3-Day Rally Amid Recovering Market Sentiment

Stocks in China and Hong Kong advanced for the third consecutive session amid recovering market sentiment and resurgent AI trade.

The Hang Seng Index increased 0.4%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index advanced 0.8% as investors awaited the release of domestic macroeconomic data. 

Market indexes in China and Hong Kong extended this week's gains in the hopes that the U.S. Federal Reserve is more likely to lower its benchmark interest rate after a two-day meeting on December 10. 

Expectations were heightened by the latest sluggish macroeconomic data, suggesting that policymakers might opt for prompt action. 

U.S. nominal retail sales, not adjusted for inflation, in September increased 4.3% from a year ago, and producer price inflation held steady at an annual pace of 2.7%. 

Artificial intelligence stocks extended this year's rally, and Alphabet Inc. jumped after a report suggested that Meta Platforms is reviewing the company's advanced chips for its data centers. 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index added 0.4% to 26,004.17, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index edged up 0.8% to 4,527.22. 

Alibaba Group Holding decreased 1.5% to HK $156.0, and the e-commerce platform operator reported a smaller-than-expected 52% decline in profit in its latest quarter. 

Property developers in Hong Kong edged higher amid speculation that the U.S. rate cut would spur the HKMA to lower its reference rate to maintain its currency peg.

Wharf Holdings edged up 0.3% to HK $23.34, Henderson Land Development gained 0.7% to HK $29.94, Sun Hung Kai Properties increased 1.9% to HK $99.45, and Swire Properties inched up 0.6% to HK $22.04. 

AI Enthusiasm and Rate-Cut Hope Extend Monday's Gains

Stocks on Wall Street attempted to extend the previous session's large gains, and investors increased exposure to high-flying artificial intelligence stocks. 

The S&P 500 index edged up 0.1%, and the Nasdaq Composite inched higher 0.2% following a day when they soared 1.6% and 2.7%, respectively. 

Stocks soared on Monday after three Fed policymakers suggested a rate cut is still likely at the end of 2025's last policy meeting on December 10, renewing hopes of a possible third rate cut this year.

AI-linked stocks soared amid optimism that leading tech companies will continue to invest in technology infrastructure at a breakneck pace. 

Alphabet jumped 4% and extended this year to 70% after Meta Platforms is considering to purchase its AI chips. The news was first reported by The Information. 

U.S. Stock Movers 

SanDisk Corp. jumped 1.9% to $231.16 after the S&P Dow Jones Indices said it will include the electronic storage company in the S&P 500 index, replacing Interpublic Group. 

Zoom Communication Inc. advanced 4% to $82.25 after the video application company reported stronger-than-expected fiscal third-quarter results. 

Revenue in the quarter rose 4.4% to $1.23 billion from $1.18 billion, net income soared to $612.8 million from $207.1 million, and diluted earnings per share advanced to $2.01 from 66 cents a year ago. 

Zoom estimated fiscal fourth quarter revenue to range between $1.230 billion and $1.235 billion, and adjusted diluted earnings per share between $1.48 and $1.49. 

The company also expanded its stock repurchase program by $1.0 billion, incremental to the remaining $314 million remaining authorization at the end of October. 

AI Trade and Rate-Cut Hope Extends Monday's Gains

Stocks on Wall Street attempted to extend the previous session's large gains, and investors increased exposure to high-flying artificial intelligence stocks. 

The S&P 500 index edged up 0.1%, and the Nasdaq Composite inched higher 0.2% following a day when they soared 1.6% and 2.7%, respectively. 

Stocks soared on Monday after three Fed policymakers suggested a rate cut is still likely at the end of 2025's last policy meeting on December 10, renewing hopes of a possible third rate cut this year.

AI-linked stocks soared amid optimism that leading tech companies will continue to invest in technology infrastructure at a breakneck pace. 

Alphabet jumped 4% and extended this year to 70% after Meta Platforms is considering to purchase its AI chips. The news was first reported by The Information. 

U.S. Stock Movers 

SanDisk Corp. jumped 1.9% to $231.16 after the S&P Dow Jones Indices said it will include the electronic storage company in the S&P 500 index, replacing Interpublic Group. 

Zoom Communication Inc. advanced 4% to $82.25 after the video application company reported stronger-than-expected fiscal third-quarter results. 

Revenue in the quarter rose 4.4% to $1.23 billion from $1.18 billion, net income soared to $612.8 million from $207.1 million, and diluted earnings per share advanced to $2.01 from 66 cents a year ago. 

Zoom estimated fiscal fourth quarter revenue to range between $1.230 billion and $1.235 billion, and adjusted diluted earnings per share between $1.48 and $1.49. 

The company also expanded its stock repurchase program by $1.0 billion, incremental to the remaining $314 million remaining authorization at the end of October. 

Sell Japan Trend Persisted After Investors Returned from 3-Day Holiday

Japan's benchmark indexes rebounded on Tuesday, recouping some of the losses on Friday after investors returned from a three-day holiday.

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average struggled to stay above the flatline, and the broader Topix lacked momentum as investors debated Japan's monetary policy and the yen's future. 

The yen edged higher to 156.54 against the U.S. dollar after verbal interventions by officials arrested the decline in the currency.

The yield on 10-year Japanese government bonds hovered at a 17-year high of 1.78%, and last week the cabinet approved a 21.3 trillion yen stimulus plan supporting economic growth and extending energy subsidies to ease inflation pain on households.  

"Sell Japan" trade gathered pace after the extra budget amplified concerns about Japan's fiscal health, pressuring both bonds and the yen.  

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average edged up 0.1% to 48,664.69, and the broader Topix index decreased 0.1% to 3,295.28. 

AI-linked stocks rebounded on Tuesday, reflecting a tech-powered market advance in overnight trading in New York. 

Tokyo Electron advanced 3.3% to ¥31,220.0, Advantest Corp. gained 3.5% to ¥18,995.0, and Lasertec Corp. increased 1% to ¥26,720.0. 

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group edged up 0.2% to ¥4,458.0, Mizuho Financial Group increased 1.2% to ¥5,235.0, and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group decreased 0.1% to ¥2,382.50. 

Sell Japan Trend Persisted After Investors Returned from 3-Day Holiday

Japan's benchmark indexes rebounded on Tuesday, recouping some of the losses on Friday after investors returned from a three-day holiday.

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average struggled to stay above the flatline, and the broader Topix lacked momentum as investors debated Japan's monetary policy and the yen's future. 

The yen edged higher to 156.54 against the U.S. dollar after verbal interventions by officials arrested the decline in the currency.

The yield on 10-year Japanese government bonds hovered at a 17-year high of 1.78%, and last week the cabinet approved a 21.3 trillion yen stimulus plan supporting economic growth and extending energy subsidies to ease inflation pain on households.  

"Sell Japan" trade gathered pace after the extra budget amplified concerns about Japan's fiscal health, pressuring both bonds and the yen.  

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average edged up 0.1% to 48,664.69, and the broader Topix index decreased 0.1% to 3,295.28. 

AI-linked stocks rebounded on Tuesday, reflecting a tech-powered market advance in overnight trading in New York. 

Tokyo Electron advanced 3.3% to ¥31,220.0, Advantest Corp. gained 3.5% to ¥18,995.0, and Lasertec Corp. increased 1% to ¥26,720.0. 

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group edged up 0.2% to ¥4,458.0, Mizuho Financial Group increased 1.2% to ¥5,235.0, and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group decreased 0.1% to ¥2,382.50. 

Trump-Xi Talks and Renewed Hopes of U.S. Rate Actions Powered Rebound In China Stocks

Stocks in China and Hong Kong advanced on Tuesday, reflecting Wall Street's advance in overnight trading in New York.

The Hang Seng index increased 1%, and the CSI 300 index edged up 1.2% after tech stocks staged a reversal in Shanghai and Hong Kong. 

Market sentiment recovered after three key policymakers voiced their support for a possible rate at the end of the next policy meeting in early December. 

Investors bid up stocks after leaders of the U.S. and China held a conference call, raising hopes of improving trade ties. 

Investor enthusiasm has been waning over the last five weeks amid worries about the stretched valuations and unresolved trade issues. The decline in AI-linked stocks contributed to a broader market weakness compounded by uncertain U.S. monetary policy. 

For now, investors are renewing expectations for at least a 25-basis-point rate cut at the end of a two-day Fed policy meeting on December 10.  

China Stock Movers 

The Hang Seng Index increased 1% to 25,978.06, and the CSI 300 index edged up 1.3% to 4,504.16. 

Alibaba Group increased 2.8% to HK $158.70, and the e-commerce platform operator is scheduled to report quarterly results later in the day.

Meituan decreased 0.3% to HK $97.90, and the operator of the food delivery platform is scheduled to release its quarterly results on Friday. 

Trump-Xi Talks and Renewed Hopes of U.S. Rate Actions Powered Rebound In China Stocks

Stocks in China and Hong Kong advanced on Tuesday, reflecting Wall Street's advance in overnight trading in New York.

The Hang Seng index increased 1%, and the CSI 300 index edged up 1.2% after tech stocks staged a reversal in Shanghai and Hong Kong. 

Market sentiment recovered after three key policymakers voiced their support for a possible rate at the end of the next policy meeting in early December. 

Investors bid up stocks after leaders of the U.S. and China held a conference call, raising hopes of improving trade ties. 

Investor enthusiasm has been waning over the last five weeks amid worries about the stretched valuations and unresolved trade issues. The decline in AI-linked stocks contributed to a broader market weakness compounded by uncertain U.S. monetary policy. 

For now, investors are renewing expectations for at least a 25-basis-point rate cut at the end of a two-day Fed policy meeting on December 10.  

China Stock Movers 

The Hang Seng Index increased 1% to 25,978.06, and the CSI 300 index edged up 1.3% to 4,504.16. 

Alibaba Group increased 2.8% to HK $158.70, and the e-commerce platform operator is scheduled to report quarterly results later in the day.

Meituan decreased 0.3% to HK $97.90, and the operator of the food delivery platform is scheduled to release its quarterly results on Friday. 

Monday's Rebound May Not Trim November Losses On Wall Street

Stocks on Wall Street attempted to rebound on Monday after another wave of sell-offs in high-priced AI-linked stocks last week dragged down global markets. 

The S&P 500 index inched higher 0.2%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.8% at the start of the holiday-shortened week. 

Stocks are likely to face additional volatility as trading volume thins out on account of the Thanksgiving holiday and a lack of catalysts ahead of the Fed's rate decisions on December 10.

Major averages have lost ground since the start of November, and the S&P 500 index has fallen 3.5%, and the Nasdaq Composite has lost 6.1%. 

Global investor sentiment is likely to stay bearish over the next six weeks as investors avoid taking additional exposure to riskier assets and have an uncertain outlook for holiday season shopping. 

A frozen housing market, a low-hire and low-fire job market, and elevated food and consumer goods prices are keeping U.S. consumers on the defensive. Moreover, steep tariffs and constantly changing trade policy are decimating small businesses at a rapid clip. 

At the same time, investors are shying away from circular AI-trade-driven stocks as debt-fueled data center buildout faces increased scrutiny and resistance from local communities.

The Federal Reserve's decision to leave rates unchanged in December could unleash another wave of global sell-off covering stocks, bonds, and precious metals. 

In the week ahead, as earnings season winds down, investors and the U.S. government agencies catch up to release delayed economic data. 

In the holiday-shortened week, statistical agencies are set to release producer price inflation, retail sales, and durable goods data. 

The annual rate of producer price inflation in September is estimated to accelerate to 2.7% from 2.6% in the previous month, nominal retail sales to accelerate to 5.4% from 5.0%, and monthly durable goods orders are likely to slow down to 0.3% following a 2.9% surge in August.  

U.S. Stock Movers 

Nvidia Corp. edged up 0.8% to $179.55, Alphabet Inc. advanced 3.3% to $307.37, and Meta Platforms inched higher 0.6% to $597.73. 

GE Vernova Inc. advanced 0.6% to $559.21, Eaton Corp. edged up 1% to $335.0, and Johnson Controls advanced 0.5% to $113.55.  

Monday's Rebound May Not Trim November Losses On Wall Street

Stocks on Wall Street attempted to rebound on Monday after another wave of sell-offs in high-priced AI-linked stocks last week dragged down global markets. 

The S&P 500 index inched higher 0.2%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.8% at the start of the holiday-shortened week. 

Stocks are likely to face additional volatility as trading volume thins out on account of the Thanksgiving holiday and a lack of catalysts ahead of the Fed's rate decisions on December 10.

Major averages have lost ground since the start of November, and the S&P 500 index has fallen 3.5%, and the Nasdaq Composite has lost 6.1%. 

Global investor sentiment is likely to stay bearish over the next six weeks as investors avoid taking additional exposure to riskier assets and have an uncertain outlook for holiday season shopping. 

A frozen housing market, a low-hire and low-fire job market, and elevated food and consumer goods prices are keeping U.S. consumers on the defensive. Moreover, steep tariffs and constantly changing trade policy are decimating small businesses at a rapid clip. 

At the same time, investors are shying away from circular AI-trade-driven stocks as debt-fueled data center buildout faces increased scrutiny and resistance from local communities.

The Federal Reserve's decision to leave rates unchanged in December could unleash another wave of global sell-off covering stocks, bonds, and precious metals. 

In the week ahead, as earnings season winds down, investors and the U.S. government agencies catch up to release delayed economic data. 

In the holiday-shortened week, statistical agencies are set to release producer price inflation, retail sales, and durable goods data. 

The annual rate of producer price inflation in September is estimated to accelerate to 2.7% from 2.6% in the previous month, nominal retail sales to accelerate to 5.4% from 5.0%, and monthly durable goods orders are likely to slow down to 0.3% following a 2.9% surge in August.  

U.S. Stock Movers 

Nvidia Corp. edged up 0.8% to $179.55, Alphabet Inc. advanced 3.3% to $307.37, and Meta Platforms inched higher 0.6% to $597.73. 

GE Vernova Inc. advanced 0.6% to $559.21, Eaton Corp. edged up 1% to $335.0, and Johnson Controls advanced 0.5% to $113.55.  

China and Hong Kong Markets Diverged Ahead of Key Earnings

China and Hong Kong stocks rebounded from a sharp sell-off in the previous week, and investors prepared to review a flood of domestic corporate results.

The Hang Seng Index increased 1.4%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index fell 0.6% on Monday following losses of more than 3% in benchmark indexes in the previous week.

The weakness in U.S. tech stocks, coupled with a declining appetite for riskier assets such as stocks, cryptocurrencies, and precious metals, led to heavy selling pressure on global financial markets.

The AI-stock rally over the last seven months came to a screeching halt in early November amid growing worries about the lofty valuations, durability of aggressive capital spending by leading tech companies, and uncertainty about the U.S. economic outlook.

Closer to home, investors prepared to review a flood of quarterly results, including updates from Meituan and Alibaba Group Holding.

Market sentiment in China and Hong Kong remained negative following sluggish economic data, weaker-than-expected retail sales, and a persistent decline in home prices in urban areas. 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index advanced 1.3% to 25,547.46, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index dropped 0.6% to 4,427.55. 

Alibaba Group soared 4.3% to HK $153.90 ahead of the company's quarterly results on Tuesday.

Meituan advanced 2% to HK $97.55, and the food delivery company is scheduled to release its quarterly results later in the week. 

Property developers edged higher for the second consecutive week on optimism that policymakers are likely to provide additional incentives to first-time home buyers.

China Vanke Group added 1% to HK $4.23, Longfor Group Holdings increased 2.3% to HK $10.13, and Henderson Land Development Company edged up 0.6% to HK $29.48. 

China and Hong Kong Markets Diverged Ahead of Key Earnings

China and Hong Kong stocks rebounded from a sharp sell-off in the previous week, and investors prepared to review a flood of domestic corporate results.

The Hang Seng Index increased 1.4%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index fell 0.6% on Monday following losses of more than 3% in benchmark indexes in the previous week.

The weakness in U.S. tech stocks, coupled with a declining appetite for riskier assets such as stocks, cryptocurrencies, and precious metals, led to heavy selling pressure on global financial markets.

The AI-stock rally over the last seven months came to a screeching halt in early November amid growing worries about the lofty valuations, durability of aggressive capital spending by leading tech companies, and uncertainty about the U.S. economic outlook.

Closer to home, investors prepared to review a flood of quarterly results, including updates from Meituan and Alibaba Group Holding.

Market sentiment in China and Hong Kong remained negative following sluggish economic data, weaker-than-expected retail sales, and a persistent decline in home prices in urban areas. 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index advanced 1.3% to 25,547.46, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index dropped 0.6% to 4,427.55. 

Alibaba Group soared 4.3% to HK $153.90 ahead of the company's quarterly results on Tuesday.

Meituan advanced 2% to HK $97.55, and the food delivery company is scheduled to release its quarterly results later in the week. 

Property developers edged higher for the second consecutive week on optimism that policymakers are likely to provide additional incentives to first-time home buyers.

China Vanke Group added 1% to HK $4.23, Longfor Group Holdings increased 2.3% to HK $10.13, and Henderson Land Development Company edged up 0.6% to HK $29.48. 

Macroeconomic Anxieties and Lofty AI Valuation Worries Keep U.S. Indexes Under Pressure

Stocks attempted to rebound on Friday from sharp sell-offs on Thursday as investors lightened exposure to expensive tech stocks. 

The S&P 500 index increased 0.2%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite edged up 0.3%, and benchmark indexes could face another day of selling towards the close of the regular session. 

Benchmark indexes soared as much as 2% in early trading on Thursday after Nvidia reported record sales and earnings in its latest quarter but managed to close down around 2% amid waves of stock selling. 

However, a broad sell-off in the market weighed on indexes amid uncertainty about the Fed's rate decision in two weeks after September's nonfarm payrolls rose more than expected. 

The U.S. private businesses added 119,000 net new jobs in September, as employment continued to trend up in healthcare, food services and drinking places, and social assistance. 

Employers in transportation and warehousing and the federal government trimmed positions, according to the long-delayed nonfarm payrolls data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  

September data was delayed by more than six weeks because of the federal shutdown, and the BLS will not publish an October Employment Situation news release. 

However, the Establishment survey data for October will be published with the November data.

Both the employment rate, at 4.4%, and the number of unemployed people, at 7.6 million, changed little in September. 

Average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls inched up by 9 cents, or 0.2%, from the previous month, to $36.67 in September. 

The average hourly earnings advanced by 3.8% from a year ago, tracking the inflation level over the period. 

The agency revised lower net job gains in July and August, and after the revisions, total non-farm payrolls are at the same levels as in April. 

The change in total nonfarm payroll employment for July was revised down by 7,000 to 72,000, and the change for August was revised down from 22,000 to -4,000, trimming the net gains by 33,000 over the two-month period.

U.S. Stock Movers 

Gap Inc. rose 5.4% to $24.32 after the company's fiscal third-quarter results surpassed market expectations. 

Comparable sales increased 5% from a year ago, driven by a 3% rise in store sales and a 2% jump in online sales, which accounted for 40% of total sales in the quarter. 

Ross Stores increased 2.5% to $164.55 after the company announced its fiscal third-quarter results. 

The retailer revised the higher comparable store sales estimate to between 3% and 4% and diluted earnings per share in the range of $1.77 to $1.85. 

In addition, the company said tariff-related costs "to be negligible in the fourth quarter." 

Intuit Inc. increased 3.3% to $658.0, and the software company delivered better-than-expected results in the fiscal first quarter ending in October.  

Walmart soared 6.6% to $107.40 after the company reported better-than-expected sales and earnings in the fiscal third quarter. 

The general retailer attracted new customers across all household income levels as shoppers searched for bargains amid a sustained increase in tariff-driven food prices.  

Macroeconomic Anxieties and Lofty AI Valuation Worries Keep U.S. Indexes Under Pressure

Stocks attempted to rebound on Friday from sharp sell-offs on Thursday as investors lightened exposure to expensive tech stocks. 

The S&P 500 index increased 0.2%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite edged up 0.3%, and benchmark indexes could face another day of selling towards the close of the regular session. 

Benchmark indexes soared as much as 2% in early trading on Thursday after Nvidia reported record sales and earnings in its latest quarter but managed to close down around 2% amid waves of stock selling. 

However, a broad sell-off in the market weighed on indexes amid uncertainty about the Fed's rate decision in two weeks after September's nonfarm payrolls rose more than expected. 

The U.S. private businesses added 119,000 net new jobs in September, as employment continued to trend up in healthcare, food services and drinking places, and social assistance. 

Employers in transportation and warehousing and the federal government trimmed positions, according to the long-delayed nonfarm payrolls data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  

September data was delayed by more than six weeks because of the federal shutdown, and the BLS will not publish an October Employment Situation news release. 

However, the Establishment survey data for October will be published with the November data.

Both the employment rate, at 4.4%, and the number of unemployed people, at 7.6 million, changed little in September. 

Average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls inched up by 9 cents, or 0.2%, from the previous month, to $36.67 in September. 

The average hourly earnings advanced by 3.8% from a year ago, tracking the inflation level over the period. 

U.S. Stock Movers 

Gap Inc. rose 5.4% to $24.32 after the company's fiscal third-quarter results surpassed market expectations. 

Comparable sales increased 5% from a year ago, driven by a 3% rise in store sales and a 2% jump in online sales, which accounted for 40% of total sales in the quarter. 

Ross Stores increased 2.5% to $164.55 after the company announced its fiscal third-quarter results. 

The retailer revised the higher comparable store sales estimate to between 3% and 4% and diluted earnings per share in the range of $1.77 to $1.85. 

In addition, the company said tariff-related costs "to be negligible in the fourth quarter." 

Intuit Inc. increased 3.3% to $658.0, and the software company delivered better-than-expected results in the fiscal first quarter ending in October.  

Walmart soared 6.6% to $107.40 after the company reported better-than-expected sales and earnings in the fiscal third quarter. 

The general retailer attracted new customers across all household income levels as shoppers searched for bargains amid a sustained increase in tariff-driven food prices.