The latest jobs report has put the ETF market into a dilemma. With the unemployment rate rising to 4.4%, the highest level since October 2021, and December rate-cut odds shrinking to 28%, trimming risk and loading up on steadier, low-beta staples may prove to be a prudent move.
Mixed labor data and dimmer rate-cut prospects might encourage investors to consider defensive ETFs, as rising unemployment tempers optimism despite stronger job gains.
