US index futures are up modestly this morning as investors wait to hear the latest numbers on US non-farm payrolls and the January headline unemployment number. Estimates for new jobs are relatively low, ranging from about 120,000 to 125,000. The unemployment rate is expected to be flat at best, or to rise one tick to 8.6%. In Europe, the official PMI numbers have risen above 50, indicating some confidence in the continent’s economy has returned. In Asia, markets are mixed following a blizzard of earnings reports. Asian markets are also watching the US unemployment data very closely this morning
At about 8:15 a.m. ET, Germany’s DAX is up 0.18% at 6,667.45 and France’s CAC 40 is up 0.20%, at 3,383.34. In London, the FTSE 100 is up 0.42%, at 5,820.40.
In Asia, the Hang Seng index closed up 0.08%, at 20,757 and the Nikkei index closed down -0.51%, at 8,831.93. The Shanghai exchange closed up 0.77%, at 2,330.41.
Dow futures are up 0.06%, at 12,674.00. The Nasdaq 100 is up 0.27%, at 2,498.25 and the S&P is up 0.04%, at 1,323.20.
In the currency markets, the US dollar is weaker against the British pound and the euro, and stronger against the Japanese yen. The US dollar index is up 0.331% at 79.123.
In commodities, WTI and Brent crude are mixed this morning, with WTI down -0.24% at $96.13/barrel and Brent is up 0.29% at $112.39/barrel. Gold is down -0.05% this morning, at $1,758.40/ounce.
Paul Ausick
The Average American Is Losing Their Savings Every Day (Sponsor)
If you’re like many Americans and keep your money ‘safe’ in a checking or savings account, think again. The average yield on a savings account is a paltry .4% today, and inflation is much higher. Checking accounts are even worse.
Every day you don’t move to a high-yield savings account that beats inflation, you lose more and more value.
But there is good news. To win qualified customers, some accounts are paying 9-10x this national average. That’s an incredible way to keep your money safe, and get paid at the same time. Our top pick for high yield savings accounts includes other one time cash bonuses, and is FDIC insured.
Click here to see how much more you could be earning on your savings today. It takes just a few minutes and your money could be working for you.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
