
Weekly Market Recap: Markets Wobble as Job Growth Cools & Trade Tensions Rise – What’s Next for Investors?
Markets faced a turbulent week as slowing job growth and escalating trade tensions weighed on investor sentiment. The S&P 500 slipped 0.23%, while the Dow and Nasdaq also closed lower. January’s jobs report revealed a sharp slowdown, with only 143,000 new jobs added, well below the 12-month average. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 4.50%, signaling caution amid economic uncertainty. Gold extended its winning streak as investors sought safe-haven assets, while crude oil prices fell on fears of weaker global demand. With inflation data and retail sales reports on deck, all eyes are on the Fed’s next move.