S&P 500 Gains Ground as Jobs Data Fuels Rate Cut Speculation

The S&P 500 index, represented by the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY), is experiencing upward momentum following the release of the December jobs report, which suggests a potential interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve. On January 9, 2026, the S&P 500 rose by 17 points, with the SPY gaining $2.55. Investors reacted positively to the latest employment data, which showed that nonfarm payrolls increased by 50,000 in December, falling short of the anticipated 73,000 jobs.

This report indicated a slight weakening in the labor market, with the unemployment rate dropping to 4.4% from the previous month’s 4.6%. The lower-than-expected job growth has led to speculation that the Federal Reserve may consider cutting interest rates in response to a more stable, albeit sluggish, employment landscape.

Market Reactions and Other Developments

In addition to the S&P 500’s gains, the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed by approximately 100 points, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq added 68 points. Analysts are closely monitoring these developments as they could signal a shift in monetary policy aimed at stimulating economic growth.

Gold prices also saw an increase, rising by $33.80 to reach $4,494.50 this morning. The uptick in gold prices typically occurs during times of economic uncertainty, as investors seek safe-haven assets.

Investors are also keenly awaiting a major ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the legality of tariffs imposed during the Trump administration. The court’s decision will address whether these tariffs can be justified under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The implications of this ruling could have a significant impact on trade policy and the overall fiscal landscape of the United States.

Sector Highlights: Nuclear Energy and Technology Stocks

In corporate news, nuclear energy stocks surged following announcements from Meta Platforms, Inc., which revealed plans to secure 6.6 GW of nuclear power for its data centers by 2035. One of the key agreements is with Vistra Energy (NYSE: VST), which will supply electricity from three existing nuclear power plants. As a result, VST shares jumped by $24.56 in premarket trading.

Urvi Parekh, Head of Global Energy at Meta, stated, “At Meta, we are investing in nuclear energy because it provides clean, reliable power that is essential for advancing our AI ambitions.” The company also plans to collaborate with Oklo (NYSE: OKLO) to develop a 1.2 GW power campus in Pike County, Ohio, further solidifying its commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

Meanwhile, shares of Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: INTC) increased by approximately $1.05 following a positive statement from former President Donald Trump. Trump praised Intel’s CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, on social media, claiming that the U.S. government has benefitted financially from its investment in the company. His endorsement has invigorated investor confidence in Intel’s future prospects, particularly in the context of domestic chip manufacturing.

As market participants continue to digest economic data and corporate announcements, the focus remains on the Federal Reserve’s potential response to current conditions, particularly as they relate to interest rates and employment figures.