US stock markets experienced gains on Thursday At the close of trading in New York, the Dow Jones Industrial Average registered 45,621 points, representing a 08 percent increase compared to the previous session
The broader S&P 500 followed suit, closing around 6,502 points, also up 08 percent The Nasdaq 100, tracking technology stocks, reached approximately 23,633 points, recording a 09 percent gain
Recent economic data was a central focus for investors Figures released by the payroll processing company ADP indicate that private sector job growth in August was lower than anticipated Initial jobless claims also rose last week, according to the Department of Labor These developments may increase pressure on the Federal Reserve to prioritize full employment, despite the continued persistence of inflation, currently at 27 percent annually and still above the Fed’s 2 percent target
Currency markets saw a slight weakening of the Euro; one Euro exchanged hands for 11651 US dollars, making one US dollar equivalent to 08583 Euros
The price of gold decreased modestly, with one troy ounce trading at 3,550 US dollars, a decrease of 03 percent, corresponding to 9797 Euros per gram
Oil prices, however, fell more significantly Brent crude, a benchmark North Sea oil grade, closed at 6684 US dollars per barrel, down 76 cents, or 11 percent, from the previous day’s close