U.S. Stocks Rise on Strong Jobs Report
Wall Street recovered on Tuesday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbing 209 points—or 0.5%—as good jobs numbers offset global growth anxiety. The S&P 500 rose 0.52%, and the Nasdaq led gains with a 0.81% advance.
Investors received the latest Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) as a welcome report, and it revealed 7.39 million job openings in April—far better than projections. The report indicated the labor market standing firm, even as new tariffs went into effect on the first day of the month.
Labor Market Shows Resilience
The JOLTS figures also pointed to rising rates of hiring and a rare 1-to-1 job opening to jobless worker ratio. Economists view that as a sign of healthy economic momentum and a tight labor market.
The upbeat report coincides with the Bureau of Labor Statistics set to publish the highly anticipated monthly jobs report. The markets will be looking for that data for further indications of strength.
OECD Warns with World Expansion
Despite the encouraging domestic reports, there remain issues on the global scene. Previously in the day, the OECD cut its projection of world expansion to 2.9% in the year from 3.3% in 2024.
The group cited continued U.S. tariffs and weakening demand as main threats. It predicted that the U.S., its major trading partners such as Canada, Mexico, and China, would experience sharper slowdowns. U.S. GDP will only grow 1.6% in 2025, a decline from 2.8% in 2024.
Inflation Eases Amid Trade Fears
While tariffs are expected to stimulate inflationary pressure in some places, global inflation is forecasted to decelerate from 6.2% in 2024 to 3.6% in 2025. Falling commodity prices, driven by sagging global demand, should keep consumer prices in check.
Despite drama over trade wars and growth concerns, Tuesday’s rally in the market indicates confidence by investors in the strength of the U.S. labor market—a pillar of economic health.
