US Markets React Positively to Job Data and Earnings Reports

Following the release of January's job cuts and initial jobless claims data, major US stock equities saw gains at the start of Thursday's trading session. The markets are also digesting the implications of ongoing trade tensions between the US and China, especially after President Donald Trump's decision to impose additional tariffs on Chinese imports.

Several major companies have reported their quarterly earnings this week, including Qualcomm, Uber, Disney, and Ford, contributing to the market's positive momentum. The Dow Jones rose by 0.10%, with McDonald's shares jumping 2.81%. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq 100 traded flat, and the S&P 500 gained 0.20%, buoyed by a 15.15% surge in Tapestry Inc. shares.

Currency Movements

On the currency front, the euro weakened by 0.39% against the dollar, trading at $1.03651 at 9:28 am ET.