US Futures Rise as Traders Wait for September Jobs Data

US stock futures rose Friday as investors waited for the Labor Department’s September jobs report. Dow and S&P 500 futures gained 0.3%, while Nasdaq-100 futures rose 0.6%.

Economists expect the economy to have added 85,000 jobs last month, with hiring returning to a more typical pace. The report follows August’s figures, which exceeded expectations.

A large surprise may be needed to shift expectations for Federal Reserve rate increases this year, the article said. Traders have reduced bets on an October hike, but most still expect at least one 25-basis-point increase in December.

Fed officials have said they have time to assess inflation data before acting, while agreeing inflation remains too high. The article said the Middle East war has contributed to inflation pressures.

Brent crude futures steadied near $102 a barrel. The article also reported that the US sent an additional aircraft carrier and 10,000 sailors and Marines to the Persian Gulf on Thursday, citing Bloomberg.