Nasdaq Enters Correction as Markets React to Disappointing Jobs Data
Stocks fell sharply on Friday following a much weaker-than-anticipated jobs report for July, sparking concerns that the U.S. economy could be heading toward a recession. The disappointing employment figures triggered a sell-off across the market, with the Nasdaq entering correction territory.
Market Performance
The major indices experienced significant declines:
| Index | Closing Value | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|
| S&P 500 | 5,346.56 | -1.84% |
| Nasdaq Composite | 16,776.16 | -2.43% |
| Dow Jones Industrial Average | 39,737.26 | -1.51% |
The broad market index, the S&P 500, dropped 1.84% to end at 5,346.56. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite lost 2.43% to close at 16,776.16, marking a decline of more than 10% from its recent all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 610.71 points, or 1.51%, to finish at 39,737.26. At its session low, the 30-stock index was down 989 points.
Jobs Report Fallout
Stocks plummeted after the July job growth in the U.S. slowed significantly more than expected. The unemployment rate rose to the highest level since October 2021. Nonfarm payrolls increased by only 114,000 last month, a sharp decline from the 179,000 jobs added in June and well below the 185,000 expected by economists polled by Dow Jones. The unemployment rate climbed to 4.3%.
Treasury Yields and Investor Reactions
The 10-year Treasury yield fell to its lowest point since December as investors moved into bonds for safety. This flight to bonds was driven by fears that the Federal Reserve made a mistake this week by maintaining current interest rates.
Impact on Major Companies
Some of the largest tech companies faced substantial losses:
- Amazon: The e-commerce giant slid 8.8% after missing revenue estimates and issuing a disappointing forecast.
- Intel: Shares cratered 26% following weak guidance and an announcement of layoffs.
- Nvidia: Lost 1.8%, adding to a 6% loss from the previous day.
Nasdaq Enters Correction
The Nasdaq is the first of the three major benchmarks to enter correction territory, now down more than 10% from its record high. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average are also facing significant declines, with the S&P 500 5.7% below its all-time high and the Dow down 3.9%.
Conclusion
The sharp drop in stock prices following the weak jobs report underscores the fragility of the current economic recovery. The Nasdaq’s entry into correction territory highlights growing investor concerns about the potential for a recession. As markets continue to react to economic data and corporate earnings, investors are keeping a close eye on the Federal Reserve’s next moves and broader economic indicators.