TOKYO (AP) — Global shares retreated on Friday although export-related Tokyo stocks got a boost as the dollar strengthened against the Japanese yen. U.S.
Global shares retreated on Friday although export-related Tokyo stocks got a boost as the dollar strengthened against the Japanese yen.
U.S. futures edged lower while oil prices rose nearly $1.
Investors are awaiting the release of a comprehensive report on the jobs market from the U.S. Labor Department later Friday. Economists expect it to show U.S. hiring slowed to 160,000 jobs last month from 199,000 in November.
The hope is that the economy will remain just strong enough to stave off recession without reversing progress in taming inflation. The Federal Reserve is watching to see if current trends continue as it weighs the possibility of cutting interest rates.
Rate cuts give a boost to prices for stocks and other investments, while also relaxing the pressure on the economy and financial system.
