U.S. stocks dropped, with the Nasdaq losing over 1%, as investors grew cautious after Iran fired missiles at Israel. Energy and defense stocks rose, while airlines fell. The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all declined. Market volatility increased and traders speculated on future Federal Reserve rate actions. Investors were also wary of upcoming job data and ongoing port strikes.
Nasdaq rises 1%, Dow, S&P close higher as weak jobs data tempers rate hike bets
U.S. stocks finished higher following a weaker-than-expected jobs report which eased rate hike expectations. Nonfarm payrolls rose by only 29,000, significantly below economists’ forecasts of
October 2, 2026