Major stock indexes climbed Friday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 approaching all-time highs set earlier this week, after the U.S. added fewer jobs but had a lower unemployment rate than expected in December.

US equity markets edged higher on Friday (January 9) after the release of December’s jobs report and ahead of a potential Supreme Court ruling on tariffs. The S&P 500 climbed 0.3%, paralleled by a similar gain in the Nasdaq Composite.

US stocks closed mixed on Thursday as investors rotated out of tech as they took in fresh labor market data and grappled with President Trump's salvos on defense and Venezuela. More broadly, markets are treading cautiously amid a flurry of labor market updates.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is off to a strong start in 2026. With the index trading higher today, it's currently on pace for its best three-day start to the year in over a decade. Right now, the Dow is up about 2.

The Dow industrials have notched their best start to a year in more than two decades. The blue-chip index rose 2.9% through the first three trading days of 2026. That's the most it has gained in that period in 23 years.

Among the Dow Jones Industrial Average's 30 time-tested components, there are two inexpensive industry leaders that can deliver for patient investors, as well as a highflier that may struggle to justify its premium valuation.

Major stock indexes finished mostly lower Wednesday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 reversing course after setting fresh all-time highs.