Dow surges nearly 350 points, closes just shy of record as jobs data reinforces economic strength

U.S. stocks surged Thursday, wrapping up a holiday-shortened trading week with broad gains across major indexes. A stronger-than-expected June jobs report helped reinforce investor confidence in the economy, propelling the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite to fresh record highs.
Index Performance Summary
| Index | Thursday Change | Closing Value | Weekly Gain |
| Dow Jones Industrial Avg | +344.11 (+0.77%) | 44,828.53 | +2.3% |
| S&P 500 | +0.83% | 6,279.35 | +1.7% |
| Nasdaq Composite | +1.02% | 20,601.10 | +1.6% |
The Dow added nearly 350 points, coming within reach of its first new high since December. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed at record levels for the fourth time in five days.
Labor Market at a Glance
| Metric | June 2025 | Forecast | May 2025 (Revised) |
| Nonfarm Payrolls | +147,000 | +110,000 | +144,000 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.1% | 4.3% | 4.2% |
The Labor Department’s latest data underscored the economy’s resilience amid geopolitical uncertainty and shifting trade policies. Treasury yields rose on the news, and expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut this month dropped sharply.
Rate Policy Outlook FedWatch data from CME Group shows traders now pricing in a 95% probability that the Fed will hold rates steady at its upcoming meeting. “There’s no way the Fed’s cutting rates in July,” said Jed Ellerbroek, portfolio manager at Argent Capital Management.
Policy Developments & Trade Talks Market participants also monitored progress on President Donald Trump’s tax megabill, which passed the Senate Tuesday and advanced in the House Thursday. Meanwhile, optimism lingered over Wednesday’s announced U.S.-Vietnam trade agreement, as investors await potential follow-up deals.
Technology Movers
| Company | Thursday Move |
| Nvidia (NVDA) | +1%+ |
| Microsoft (MSFT) | +1%+ |
| Amazon (AMZN) | +1%+ |
| Broadcom (AVGO) | +1%+ |
| Tesla (TSLA) | Slight decline |
| Datadog (DDOG) | +15% |
Datadog shares rallied after news the company will join the S&P 500 on July 9.
Market Indicators
| Asset | Value / Change |
| 10-year Treasury Yield | 4.35% (+0.09 pts) |
| U.S. Dollar Index | 97.16 (+0.4%) |
| Bitcoin | $109,800 |
| WTI Crude Oil | $67/barrel (-0.7%) |
| Gold Futures | $3,340/oz (-0.6%) |
The Nasdaq and NYSE both closed early Thursday and will remain closed Friday for Independence Day. Despite global headwinds, investors appear reassured by economic momentum and robust earnings, helping fuel the latest rally.