Economic Indicators - The ADP Research report indicated that US private employers cut 32,000 jobs in September, with the Midwest experiencing the largest losses [4][6] - The August employment figure was revised down to a loss of 3,000 jobs from a previously reported gain of 54,000 [4][6] - Analysts noted that the ADP survey has a smaller sample size compared to the government's monthly jobs report, which may affect its accuracy [4][6] Market Reactions - Treasury yields fell sharply, with the 10-year Treasury yield dropping to 4.09% from 4.16% and the two-year yield falling to 3.53% from 3.60% [5][6] - The S&P 500 fell 0.3%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined by 51 points (0.1%), and the Nasdaq composite dropped 0.4% [5][6] Company Performance - Cal-Maine Foods saw a 2.6% decline in stock price after reporting quarterly profits and revenues below analyst expectations, despite achieving its strongest-ever first quarter [5][6] - Nike's stock rose by 4.7% after surpassing profit estimates, driven by strong North American apparel sales [5][6] - Lithium Americas surged 22.5% after the US Department of Energy approved access to a $2.26 billion loan in exchange for an ownership stake [5][6] International Markets - International markets showed mixed performance, with European indexes rising following a varied session in Asia [5]

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street’s record-setting run kept rolling on Thursday, and stocks climbed after a mixed set of U.S. data kept the path clear for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates in order to boost the economy. The S&P 500 rose 0.8% and set an all-time high for the third straight day. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rallied 617 points, or 1.4%, and the Nasdaq composite gained 0.7%. Both also hit records. Treasury yields eased in the bond market following the economic reports, which were some ...

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to more records on Tuesday after the latest update on the job market bolstered Wall Street’s hopes for a slowdown that’s deep enough to get the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, but not so overwhelming that it causes a recession. The S&P 500 rose 0.3% and squeaked past its all-time high set last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 196 points, or 0.4%, while the Nasdaq composite gained 0.4%. They likewise set records. Traders have become convinced that the ...

Core Insights - Robert Half Inc. (RHI) is projected to experience declines in both sales and earnings in 2025 due to a weak job market, marking a five-year low for the company [1][7] - The company specializes in talent solutions and business consulting, providing services in various fields including finance, technology, and legal [2] Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, Robert Half reported earnings of $0.17, missing the consensus estimate of $0.36 by $0.19, marking the second consecutive earnings miss and the third in the last four quarters [3] - Global enterprise revenues decreased by 8% on a reported basis and 6% on an adjusted basis, falling from $1.476 billion to $1.352 billion year-over-year [3] Market Sentiment - Business confidence has declined due to economic uncertainties, leading to prolonged decision cycles and reduced hiring activity [4] - Analysts remain bearish on Robert Half for 2025, with earnings expected to fall for the third consecutive year, and the Zacks Consensus estimate for 2025 has been revised down to $1.78 from $2.02 [5] Stock Performance - Shares of Robert Half have dropped to five-year lows, down 18.3% over the last five years, while the S&P 500 has gained 101% during the same period [7] - The company has a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 22.7, which is considered high compared to the typical value stock threshold of under 15 [8] Dividend Considerations - Robert Half offers a dividend yield of 5.9%, with a recent payout of $0.59 per share, annualized to $2.36 [8] - Concerns arise regarding the sustainability of the dividend amidst declining earnings, with the 2025 Zacks Consensus projecting earnings of only $1.78 [8]