US stocks open in the green after strong jobs data: Nasdaq climbs around 1%

• January nonfarm payrolls added 130,000 jobs, more than double the 55,000 forecast and a sharp improvement from December's revised 48,000 gain, while unemployment fell to 4.3%
• Annual benchmark revisions showed the US economy added only 181,000 jobs in 2025, significantly lower than the previously reported 584,000, indicating weaker hiring momentum over the past year
• The rally reversed Tuesday's losses driven by flat December retail sales data, with investors now focused on Friday's Consumer Price Index release for signals on inflation and monetary policy

Market Summary

Market Performance:

US stocks opened higher on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, with the Nasdaq Composite climbing 0.8%, the S&P 500 gaining 0.6%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising 207 points (0.4%).

Key Driver – Strong Jobs Data:

The rally followed a delayed January nonfarm payrolls report showing US employers added 130,000 jobs, significantly exceeding the 55,000 forecast by Dow Jones economists. This marked a substantial improvement from December's revised gain of 48,000. The unemployment rate declined to 4.3%, beating expectations of 4.4%, signaling continued labor market resilience.

Offsetting Factors:

Despite the positive headline numbers, annual benchmark revisions revealed weaker underlying trends. The US economy added only 181,000 jobs throughout 2025, sharply below the previously reported 584,000, indicating subdued hiring momentum over the past year.

Recent Context:

The gains followed Tuesday's session, which saw pressure from disappointing retail sales data. The Commerce Department reported flat consumer spending in December, missing the 0.4% forecast and raising concerns about inflation and borrowing costs impacting household budgets.

Market Implications:

Investor focus now shifts to Friday's January Consumer Price Index release, which will provide crucial insight into inflation trends and potential monetary policy direction. The strong employment data eased recession fears but may influence Federal Reserve decisions on further interest rate adjustments.

The labor market strength suggests economic resilience despite tighter financial conditions, though revised historical data and weak consumer spending warrant continued monitoring.