The Dow and S&P 500 closed higher as investors focused on a key employment report over geopolitical risks.
US equities advanced Friday after the latest nonfarm payrolls report eased concerns about economic slowing. The Dow gained 0.1%, while the S&P 500 rose 0.2%, extending modest weekly gains.
The jobs data showed steady hiring, reinforcing expectations of a soft landing. Markets largely overlooked escalating Middle East tensions, prioritizing domestic economic signals over geopolitical risks.
Traders now await next week’s inflation data for further clues on Federal Reserve policy.