S&P 500 and Nasdaq Make Gains Despite Recent Weakness, Dow Slightly Down

On Wednesday, S&P 500 and Nasdaq rebounded slightly following a prior day’s decline, driven by lower-than-expected U.S. private payroll growth in September, while the Dow saw a minor dip. Consumer discretionary led S&P 500 sectors, and the ADP National Employment Report tempered surging long-term Treasury yields. Persistent concerns about rising interest rates and the Federal Reserve’s rate stance weighed on investors’ minds. August showed an unexpected surge in U.S. goods orders, with Friday’s September job report holding the week’s economic spotlight. Strategists and investors increasingly recognize the likelihood of sustained higher interest rates, dashing hopes of a Fed rate cut.