Unexpected Stall: October Job Gains Miss Expectations

U.S. stock index futures saw slight gains on Friday despite significantly lower-than-expected job additions in October. Nonfarm payrolls rose by just 12,000, missing the 113,000 estimate. The unemployment rate held at 4.1%, as predicted. Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq 100 E-minis all showed modest increases.

On Friday, U.S. stock index futures experienced modest gains despite a stark miss in October job additions. The Labor Department's report revealed that nonfarm payrolls rose by only 12,000, falling well short of economists' expectations of 113,000.

The unemployment rate remained steady at 4.1%, aligning with forecasts. Following these reports, Dow E-minis saw an increase of 169 points or 0.4%, the S&P 500 E-minis rose by 28 points or 0.49%, and Nasdaq 100 E-minis went up by 108.75 points or 0.54%.

This move in futures suggests a cautiously optimistic sentiment in markets, even as the job market's slowdown signals potential economic uncertainties ahead.

(With inputs from agencies.)