The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) closed up +0.62% on Friday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) closed up +0.28%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed up +1.19%. September E-mini S&P futures (ESU26) rose +0.55%, and September E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQU26) rose +1.17%.
Stock indices settled higher on Friday amid strength in corporate earnings results and reduced Fed rate hike fears. Stock indices found support on Friday as bond yields fell after US July nonfarm payrolls unexpectedly declined and average hourly earnings rose less than expected, bolstering speculation that the Fed won’t be forced to raise interest rates any time soon. The 10-year T-note yield fell -3 bp to 4.65%. The payroll report cut the chances of a Fed rate hike at next month’s FOMC meeting to 44% from 58% before the report.