S&P 500 Futures Edge Lower on Cool Jobs Data, Rate Jitters
US stock futures edged lower Friday as investors weighed softer jobs data and rising borrowing costs. The private sector added 98,000 jobs in June, fewer than May and forecasts, while the ISM Manufacturing PMI came in at 53.3.
Key Numbers
S&P 500 futures edged down about 0.01% on Friday, July 3, 2026, as investors weighed softer US economic data against rising borrowing costs. The US private sector added 98,000 jobs in June, fewer than in May and below forecasts, suggesting hiring is cooling but unemployment near 4.3% still points to a tight labor market.
Possible Reasons
The slight decline in futures is driven by two main factors:
- Cooling labor market: Private payrolls added only 98,000 jobs in June, missing expectations and raising concerns about economic slowdown.
- Rate hike fears: Rising borrowing costs continue to pressure equities, especially with the Fed expected to maintain a hawkish stance.
Broader Context
Despite the slowdown, the labor market remains resilient with unemployment at 4.3%. The ISM Manufacturing PMI stood at 53.3, indicating expansion in factory activity. This move comes after weeks of volatility on Wall Street.
Similar Moves in the Sector
Global equity markets are also weaker as investors await more economic data. Technology stocks, including KLA Corporation (KLAC), are particularly sensitive to interest rate changes.
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