Stocks Edge Higher on Positive US Labor Market News

Market Overview - The S&P 500 Index is up by +0.11%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index is up by +0.2%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index is up by +0.14% [1] - December E-mini S&P futures are up +0.11%, and December E-mini Nasdaq futures are up +0.10% [1] Economic Indicators - The October JOLTS report showed job openings unexpectedly rose by +12,000 to a 5-month high of 7.670 million, indicating a stronger labor market than the expected decline to 7.117 million [3] - The September leading indicators fell by -0.3% month-over-month, aligning with expectations [3] Federal Reserve Outlook - The market anticipates a -25 basis point cut in the federal funds target range to 3.50%-3.75% following the FOMC meeting [4] - There is a 90% chance of another -25 basis point rate cut at the conclusion of the 2-day FOMC meeting [5] Corporate Earnings - Q3 corporate earnings season is nearing completion, with 495 of the 500 S&P companies having reported results [5] - 83% of reporting S&P 500 companies exceeded forecasts, marking the best quarter since 2021, with Q3 earnings rising by +14.6%, significantly above the expected +7.2% year-over-year [5] Upcoming Reports - The Q3 employment cost index is expected to increase by +0.9% [4] - Weekly initial unemployment claims are projected to rise by +29,000 to 220,000 [4]