US stocks finished mixed on Tuesday as investors digested the delayed November jobs report and weighed its implications for the Federal Reserve’s next moves.
The S&P 500 fell 0.24% to 6,800, marking its third straight daily decline. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped about 300 points, or 0.6%, also extending a three-day losing streak. In contrast, the Nasdaq Composite edged 0.23% higher, snapping a short slide as strength in select tech names offset broader weakness.
Markets reacted to a mixed labor picture. The November jobs report showed the US economy added 64,000 jobs, beating expectations, but the unemployment rate rose to 4.6%, its highest level since 2021. The report also revised October data to show a loss of 105,000 jobs, adding to concerns that the labor market is cooling.
Investors said the data reinforced uncertainty rather than changing the near term rate outlook. Futures markets continue to price a low probability of a rate cut in January, while bets remain focused on potential easing later in 2026.
Energy stocks were among the biggest laggards as US crude oil fell to its lowest level since 2021, dragging down shares of Exxon Mobil, Chevron, and other oil majors. Healthcare stocks also weighed on the market after cautious outlooks from large drugmakers.
Tech trading was more mixed. Recent profit taking in AI related names continued, but Tesla stood out, closing at a record high on optimism around its robotaxi progress. Tesla’s rally helped lift the Nasdaq despite weakness in other large tech stocks.
Looking ahead, investors are now turning their attention to US inflation data due Thursday, which, together with the jobs report, is expected to play a key role in shaping expectations for Fed policy in early 2026.
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