The U.S. economy added 177,000 jobs in April, exceeding expectations, while the unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%. The data helped to assuage concerns of a economic slowdown following a Commerce Department report, showing a contraction in U.S. gross domestic product for the first time in three years, weighed down by a tariff-induced flood of imports.
US stocks: US market closes down sharply after Fed holds rates unchanged
Wall Street experienced a sharp decline as the Federal Reserve maintained interest rates. AI-related chip stocks also saw further losses ahead of key earnings reports.
July 29, 2026