Benzinga·2025-12-04 08:09Market Overview - The CNN Money Fear and Greed index showed a slight easing in overall fear, moving to the "Fear" zone with a reading of 26.1, up from 23.2 [6] - U.S. stocks closed higher, with the Dow Jones gaining over 400 points, driven by expectations of a rate cut following weaker private employment data [1][4] Employment Data - The ADP report indicated that U.S. private employers lost 32,000 jobs in November, reversing the addition of 42,000 jobs in October and missing forecasts for a 5,000 job gain, signaling a cooling labor market [2] - The S&P Global services PMI decreased to 54.1 in November from 54.8 in October, revised down from a preliminary reading of 55 [2] Company Performance - Microchip Technology Inc. saw a nearly 12% increase in stock price after raising its fiscal third-quarter earnings outlook, marking the best performance in the S&P 500 [3] - Macy's Inc. reported better-than-expected sales and profits for the third quarter [3] - Dollar Tree Inc. also delivered stronger-than-expected quarterly results with healthy sales growth [3] Sector Performance - Most sectors in the S&P 500 closed positively, with financial, energy, and industrial stocks showing the largest gains, while utilities and information technology stocks closed lower [4] - The Dow Jones closed at 47,882.90, up approximately 408 points, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite gained 0.30% and 0.17%, respectively [4] Upcoming Earnings - Investors are anticipating earnings results from Kroger Co., Dollar General Corp., and Hormel Foods Corp. [5]