U.S. stock markets experienced a mixed trading session on Tuesday, with major indexes showing volatility as investors digested the latest employment figures and their implications for future Federal Reserve policy. The rise in the unemployment rate, a key indicator of economic health, overshadowed a stronger-than-expected payroll increase, contributing to a downward trend for two of the three primary stock indices.

Data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that nonfarm payrolls increased by 64,000 in November, surpassing economists’ consensus forecast of 45,000. However, this positive growth was tempered by downward revisions to previous months’ job gains and a notable increase in the unemployment rate.

The unemployment rate climbed to 4.6% in November, marking its highest point in over four years. This uptick suggests a potential cooling in the labor market, a factor that central bankers closely monitor when formulating interest rate decisions. The rise in joblessness, even amidst job creation, signals evolving economic conditions.

Analysts suggest that the latest jobs report reinforces the Federal Reserve’s current policy stance, which has focused on bringing interest rates to a more neutral level. The data implies that further rate cuts may be considered in the first quarter of 2026, but the overall stability of the economy suggests a patient approach to additional monetary policy adjustments.

Market participants are closely watching for further economic indicators, including the upcoming Consumer Price Index (CPI) report. While this report could influence expectations for rate cuts, potential distortions due to government shutdown disruptions may limit its immediate impact on market sentiment and Fed policy outlook.

At the market close, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 0.6%, ending at 48,114. The S&P 500 also declined by 0.2%, closing at 6,800, extending its recent losing streak. The Nasdaq Composite, however, managed a modest gain of 0.2%, finishing at 23,111.

Beyond equities, the energy sector faced significant headwinds as crude oil prices plummeted by 2.7% to $55.27 per barrel, reaching their lowest settlement since February 2021. Year-to-date, U.S. crude oil prices have fallen by 23%, the steepest annual decline since 2018, driven by increased production from OPEC and the potential for a resolution in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

This downturn in oil prices negatively impacted major energy companies, with Chevron, Exxon Mobil, and Phillips 66 all experiencing notable share price drops. The energy sector emerged as the weakest performer among the 11 S&P 500 sectors, with healthcare also showing weakness.

In the healthcare arena, Pfizer saw its stock price decline by 3.4% following the release of its 2026 earnings per share guidance, which fell short of analyst expectations. The pharmaceutical giant also projected revenue figures that were below market consensus, raising concerns among investors about its future financial performance.

Conversely, streaming company Roku experienced a significant boost, with its shares climbing nearly 4% intraday before closing up 1.9%. This surge followed a double upgrade from Morgan Stanley, with analysts citing anticipated growth drivers such as increased advertising spending and an expanding user base.

Roku’s stock has demonstrated strong performance year-to-date, significantly outperforming the broader S&P 500 index. The company has benefited from a rebound since its early April lows, signaling renewed investor confidence in its growth prospects.

Investors will continue to monitor economic data and corporate earnings for further insights into market direction and the potential path of monetary policy. The interplay between employment trends, inflation data, and Fed actions remains a critical factor shaping investment strategies in the coming months.

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Keywords: unemployment rate, stock market today, Federal Reserve, interest rates, nonfarm payrolls, crude oil prices, Pfizer stock, Roku stock, economic indicators, market volatility