Market Update

Japan's Current Account Surplus Soared to Record High In September, Benchmark Indexes Advanced

Akira Ito
11 Nov, 2025
Tokyo

Japan's benchmark indexes rebounded, tracking gains on Wall Street, and investors bid up high-flying AI-related stocks. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 0.3%, and the Topix inched higher 0.28% amid improving global market sentiment. 

The U.S. Senate passed a critical resolution, advancing the process of ending the longest-ever federal government shutdown after seven Democrats and one independent senator voted in favor. 

Market sentiment recovered in the hopes that the restart of federal activities would provide reliable economic data, ranging from consumer spending to inflation to labor market conditions. 

 

Japan's Current Account Surplus Jumped to Record High in September

Japan's current account surplus soared threefold in September after exports advanced at a faster pace than imports.

The current surplus advanced to a record high of 4.5 trillion yen from 1.5 trillion yen a year ago in September, according to data provided by the Ministry of Finance. 

The primary income surplus widened to 4.9 trillion yen from 2.4 trillion yen, reflecting higher returns from overseas investments. 

The international goods account swung to a surplus of 236 billion yen from a deficit of 362 billion yen, as exports rose 8.6% and imports advanced 1.7% from a year ago, respectively.  

Meanwhile, the service account deficit narrowed to 214.6 billion yen from 313.7 billion yen a year ago. 

 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 0.3% to 51,069.52, and the broader Topix rose 0.3% to 3,328.01. 

AI-supply chain-driven stocks rebounded, tracking a rise in tech stocks on Wall Street. 

Tokyo Electron increased 1.1% to ¥34,590.0, Advantest Corp. decreased 2.8% to ¥20,145.0, Lasertec gained 1.6% to ¥29,285.0, and SoftBank Group advanced 1.1% to ¥22,505.0. 

Honda Motor Co. Ltd. advanced 0.1% to ¥1,512.50, and the vehicle maker trimmed its annual profit forecast, citing U.S. tariffs, global chip shortages, and intensifying competition from Chinese electric vehicle makers.

Revenue in the six-month period ending in September decreased 1.5% to 10.6 trillion yen from 10.8 trillion yen, net income plunged 33.8% to 348.6 billion yen from 526.8 billion yen, and diluted earnings per share decreased to 76.30 from 103.25 yen a year ago. 

The global vehicle maker revised lower its fiscal year 2026 earnings outlook amid mounting competition from Chinese vehicle makers in Latin America, the ASEAN region, and the European Union. 

Honda estimated full-year revenue to decline 4.6% to 20.7 trillion yen, profit to plunge 60.7% to 355 billion yen, and diluted earnings per share of 75.05 yen. 

The ongoing chip supply shortages and a sharp escalation in U.S. tariffs have forced Japanese automakers to absorb increased operating costs in the North American market. 

China and Hong Kong Indexes Inched Higher Tracking Wall Street Gains

Li Chen
11 Nov, 2025
Hong Kong

China's indexes hovered near a one-month high amid improving global risk appetite, but frothy tech valuations overshadowed market sentiment.

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.2%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index declined 0.7% as bargain hunters avoided high-flying tech stocks.

The U.S. Senate lawmakers passed a key vote to end the federal government shutdown, amid a short-term deal that could provide funding for various government programs for as long as one year.

The lifting of the longest government shutdown will facilitate the resumption of economic data flow, covering everything from inflation to employment and helping policymakers with key decisions, including interest rate actions. 

On the domestic front, investors remained cautious amid weak consumer demand, a persistent decline in the residential market, elevated youth unemployment, and fading effects of a bump in international trade.

 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.2% to 26,588.41, and the CSI 300 index dropped 0.7% to 4,663.53. 

Alibaba Group Holding decreased 2.2% to HK $159.30, Tencent Holdings dropped 0.6% to HK $643.50, Meituan fell 2.2% to HK $101.20, and Baidu Inc. jumped 3.3% to $130.0. 

Nongfu Spring Co. Ltd. decreased 0.6% to HK $53.75, Pop Mart International declined 2.2% to HK $220.20, and Zijin Gold International rose 1.4% to HK $145.80.  

China and Hong Kong Indexes Inched Higher Tracking Wall Street Gains

Li Chen
11 Nov, 2025
Hong Kong

China's indexes hovered near a one-month high amid improving global risk appetite, but frothy tech valuations overshadowed market sentiment.

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.2%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index declined 0.7% as bargain hunters avoided high-flying tech stocks.

The U.S. Senate lawmakers passed a key vote to end the federal government shutdown, amid a short-term deal that could provide funding for various government programs for as long as one year.

The lifting of the longest government shutdown will facilitate the resumption of economic data flow, covering everything from inflation to employment and helping policymakers with key decisions, including interest rate actions. 

On the domestic front, investors remained cautious amid weak consumer demand, a persistent decline in the residential market, elevated youth unemployment, and fading effects of a bump in international trade.

 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.2% to 26,588.41, and the CSI 300 index dropped 0.7% to 4,663.53. 

Alibaba Group Holding decreased 2.2% to HK $159.30, Tencent Holdings dropped 0.6% to HK $643.50, Meituan fell 2.2% to HK $101.20, and Baidu Inc. jumped 3.3% to $130.0. 

Nongfu Spring Co. Ltd. decreased 0.6% to HK $53.75, Pop Mart International declined 2.2% to HK $220.20, and Zijin Gold International rose 1.4% to HK $145.80.  

Centrist Democrats Provide Critical Support to End Government Shutdown

Barry Adams
10 Nov, 2025
New York City

Wall Street indexes rebounded sharply on Monday as key Democrats showed readiness to support the ending of the federal government shutdown. 

The S&P 500 index increased 0.8%, and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 1.3% amid optimism that the Senate lawmakers are set to pass a spending resolution to fund the government as early as this week.

The deal includes measures to fund spending until January and rehire many fired federal employees but does not provide healthcare premium subsidies for lower-income citizens.

However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said on Sunday on the U.S. Senate floor that he would hold a vote on the measure in the next five weeks. 

Global financial markets rallied on Monday, and benchmark indexes in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Paris, Frankfurt, and London soared between 0.4% and 1.5%. 

This week as earnings season winds down, investors await the release of additional labor market updates from private sources. 

The longest U.S. federal government shutdown has prevented government agencies from releasing economic updates for the second consecutive month. 

Investors will focus on the ADP's payroll report for October, and economists are anticipating a contraction by 55,000. 

In the week ahead, about 70 companies are scheduled to release their quarterly results, including Applied Materials, Cisco Systems, and Walt Disney. 

 

U.S. Stock Movers 

Metsera Inc. plunged 14.5% to $70.84 after the obesity-focused drug company struck a merger deal with Pfizer. 

Late Friday, Metsera entered into an amended merger agreement with Pfizer, and under the terms, Pfizer will pay $65.60 in cash and a contingent value right entitling holders to additional payments of up to $20.65 in cash. 

The total price could reach as high as $86.25 per share, or about $10 billion, and the Danish weight-loss company Novo Nordisk dropped its bid to acquire the weight-loss startup. 

 

Centrist Democrats Provide Critical Support to End Government Shutdown

Barry Adams
10 Nov, 2025
New York City

Wall Street indexes rebounded sharply on Monday as key Democrats showed readiness to support the ending of the federal government shutdown. 

The S&P 500 index increased 0.8%, and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 1.3% amid optimism that the Senate lawmakers are set to pass a spending resolution to fund the government as early as this week.

The deal includes measures to fund spending until January and rehire many fired federal employees but does not provide healthcare premium subsidies for lower-income citizens.

However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said on Sunday on the U.S. Senate floor that he would hold a vote on the measure in the next five weeks. 

Global financial markets rallied on Monday, and benchmark indexes in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Paris, Frankfurt, and London soared between 0.4% and 1.5%. 

This week as earnings season winds down, investors await the release of additional labor market updates from private sources. 

The longest U.S. federal government shutdown has prevented government agencies from releasing economic updates for the second consecutive month. 

Investors will focus on the ADP's payroll report for October, and economists are anticipating a contraction by 55,000. 

In the week ahead, about 70 companies are scheduled to release their quarterly results, including Applied Materials, Cisco Systems, and Walt Disney. 

 

U.S. Stock Movers 

Metsera Inc. plunged 14.5% to $70.84 after the obesity-focused drug company struck a merger deal with Pfizer. 

Late Friday, Metsera entered into an amended merger agreement with Pfizer, and under the terms, Pfizer will pay $65.60 in cash and a contingent value right entitling holders to additional payments of up to $20.65 in cash. 

The total price could reach as high as $86.25 per share, or about $10 billion, and the Danish weight-loss company Novo Nordisk dropped its bid to acquire the weight-loss startup. 

 

Japan's Stocks Inched Higher On Monday, BoJ Hinted Improving Odds of Rate Hike

Akira Ito
10 Nov, 2025
Tokyo

Japan's market indexes advanced on Monday amid improving risk appetite ahead of a busy week of corporate earnings. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 1.3%, and the broader Topix inched higher 0.6% on optimism that the unprecedented U.S. government shutdown may end. 

The Bank of Japan's Summary of Opinions from its October meeting showed that policymakers are looking for sustained wage growth as a key metric for future rate decisions. 

Policymakers preferred to wait and see if the recent increases in corporate earnings are translating to wage growth.

However, many policymakers supported a view that a change in interest rate policy in the near future may be appropriate because of the weaker yen pushing higher consumer prices.

The newly elected cabinet of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is planning to urge the central bank to revive economic growth alongside stable prices. 

 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 1.3% to 50,907.94, and the broader Topix edged up 0.6% to 3,318.67. 

Semiconductor equipment makers, automobile manufacturers, and electronics companies dominated in Tokyo's trading on Monday.

Tokyo Electron Ltd. increased 4.5% to ¥34,290.0, Advantest Corp. gained 4.3% to ¥20,810.0, Disco Corp. increased 3.3% to ¥50,080.0, and Lasertec Corp. decreased 0.1% to ¥29,075.0. 

Toyota Motor Corp. decreased 0.2% to ¥3,113.0, Honda Motor Corp. declined 4.5% to ¥1,513.50, and Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. increased 1.9% to ¥357.70. 

 

Japan's Stocks Inched Higher On Monday, BoJ Hinted Improving Odds of Rate Hike

Akira Ito
10 Nov, 2025
Tokyo

Japan's market indexes advanced on Monday amid improving risk appetite ahead of a busy week of corporate earnings. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 1.3%, and the broader Topix inched higher 0.6% on optimism that the unprecedented U.S. government shutdown may end. 

The Bank of Japan's Summary of Opinions from its October meeting showed that policymakers are looking for sustained wage growth as a key metric for future rate decisions. 

Policymakers preferred to wait and see if the recent increases in corporate earnings are translating to wage growth.

However, many policymakers supported a view that a change in interest rate policy in the near future may be appropriate because of the weaker yen pushing higher consumer prices.

The newly elected cabinet of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is planning to urge the central bank to revive economic growth alongside stable prices. 

 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 1.3% to 50,907.94, and the broader Topix edged up 0.6% to 3,318.67. 

Semiconductor equipment makers, automobile manufacturers, and electronics companies dominated in Tokyo's trading on Monday.

Tokyo Electron Ltd. increased 4.5% to ¥34,290.0, Advantest Corp. gained 4.3% to ¥20,810.0, Disco Corp. increased 3.3% to ¥50,080.0, and Lasertec Corp. decreased 0.1% to ¥29,075.0. 

Toyota Motor Corp. decreased 0.2% to ¥3,113.0, Honda Motor Corp. declined 4.5% to ¥1,513.50, and Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. increased 1.9% to ¥357.70. 

 

China's Inflation Reports Confirm Persistent Demand Weakness, Softcare IPO In Focus

Li Chen
10 Nov, 2025
Hong Kong

Benchmark indexes in China and Hong Kong diverged, and investors reviewed the latest inflation updates. 

The Hang Seng Index increased 0.6%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index edged down 0.2%, and consumer inflation edged higher in October. 

Consumer price inflation increased 0.2% from a year ago, according to the latest update from the National Bureau of Statistics.

The rise in non-food inflation, which increased to 0.9% from 0.7%, pushed the overall inflation above the flatline for the first time since January and reached its highest level since then. 

Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, accelerated to 1.2% from 1.0% in September, driven by expansion of trade-in programs and Golden Week spending. 

The producer price index decreased 2.1% annually in October, according to a separate report by the statistical agency. 

The measure of wholesale price inflation narrowed from a 2.3% fall in September, as the government reined in intense price competition in key heavy industries. 

Producer prices declined for the third consecutive year in a row, but the decline narrowed for the third month in a row as Chinese policymakers urged state-owned companies to modernize and restrain from intense competition. 

 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index increased 0.6% to 26,395.20, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index decreased 0.2% to 4,667.62. 

Softcare Limited advanced 33% to HK $354.30 after the baby and feminine hygiene products company priced its initial public offering at HK $26.20 per share. 

The emerging and Central Asian markets-focused company sold 90.9 million shares and raised a net proceed of HK $2.38 billion.  

 

China's Inflation Reports Confirm Persistent Demand Weakness, Softcare IPO In Focus

Li Chen
10 Nov, 2025
Hong Kong

Benchmark indexes in China and Hong Kong diverged, and investors reviewed the latest inflation updates. 

The Hang Seng Index increased 0.6%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index edged down 0.2%, and consumer inflation edged higher in October. 

Consumer price inflation increased 0.2% from a year ago, according to the latest update from the National Bureau of Statistics.

The rise in non-food inflation, which increased to 0.9% from 0.7%, pushed the overall inflation above the flatline for the first time since January and reached its highest level since then. 

Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, accelerated to 1.2% from 1.0% in September, driven by expansion of trade-in programs and Golden Week spending. 

The producer price index decreased 2.1% annually in October, according to a separate report by the statistical agency. 

The measure of wholesale price inflation narrowed from a 2.3% fall in September, as the government reined in intense price competition in key heavy industries. 

Producer prices declined for the third consecutive year in a row, but the decline narrowed for the third month in a row as Chinese policymakers urged state-owned companies to modernize and restrain from intense competition. 

 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index increased 0.6% to 26,395.20, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index decreased 0.2% to 4,667.62. 

Softcare Limited advanced 33% to HK $354.30 after the baby and feminine hygiene products company priced its initial public offering at HK $26.20 per share. 

The emerging and Central Asian markets-focused company sold 90.9 million shares and raised a net proceed of HK $2.38 billion.  

 

U.S. Movers: Airbnb, Take-Two Interactive, Tesla

Scott Peters
07 Nov, 2025
New York City

Airbnb Inc. rose 4.6% to $126.02, and the short-term rental platform operator reported strong third-quarter results and outlook. 

Revenue increased 10% to $4.1 billion, net income advanced to $1.4 billion from $1.36 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose to $2.21 from $2.13 a year ago. 

Gross booking value jumped 14% to $22.9 billion, and nights and seats booked increased 9% to 133.6 million. 

The company guided fourth-quarter revenue to range between $2.66 billion and $2.72 billion, an increase between 7% and 10% from a year ago. 

The San Francisco, California-based company estimated gross booking value to increase "low double-digits," benefiting from a "modest increase in average daily rate" from a year ago. 

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. decreased 4.1% to $242.0 after the company's subsidiary announced an additional delay in the release of the highly anticipated game.

Rockstar Games said Grand Theft Auto VI will now be released in November 2026, later than the previous estimated release in May 2026. 

Tesla Inc. increased 0.8% to $449.65 after the company said shareholders overwhelmingly approved CEO Elon Musk's $1 trillion pay plan. 

About 76% of shareholders approved the revised milestone-based pay package, consisting of 12 blocks of shares over the next decade. 

After the vesting of all stock rewards, Musk's equity stake in the company could increase to 25% from the current 13%. 

U.S. Movers: Airbnb, Take-Two Interactive, Tesla

Scott Peters
07 Nov, 2025
New York City

Airbnb Inc. rose 4.6% to $126.02, and the short-term rental platform operator reported strong third-quarter results and outlook. 

Revenue increased 10% to $4.1 billion, net income advanced to $1.4 billion from $1.36 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose to $2.21 from $2.13 a year ago. 

Gross booking value jumped 14% to $22.9 billion, and nights and seats booked increased 9% to 133.6 million. 

The company guided fourth-quarter revenue to range between $2.66 billion and $2.72 billion, an increase between 7% and 10% from a year ago. 

The San Francisco, California-based company estimated gross booking value to increase "low double-digits," benefiting from a "modest increase in average daily rate" from a year ago. 

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. decreased 4.1% to $242.0 after the company's subsidiary announced an additional delay in the release of the highly anticipated game.

Rockstar Games said Grand Theft Auto VI will now be released in November 2026, later than the previous estimated release in May 2026. 

Tesla Inc. increased 0.8% to $449.65 after the company said shareholders overwhelmingly approved CEO Elon Musk's $1 trillion pay plan. 

About 76% of shareholders approved the revised milestone-based pay package, consisting of 12 blocks of shares over the next decade. 

After the vesting of all stock rewards, Musk's equity stake in the company could increase to 25% from the current 13%. 

U.S. Movers: Figma, Lyft, Snap

Scott Peters
06 Nov, 2025
New York City

Lyft Inc. increased 2.2% to $20.63, and the ride-hailing company reported better-than-expected third-quarter results. 

Revenue increased 11% to $1.7 billion from $1.5 billion, net income advanced to a profit of $46.1 million from a loss of $12.4 million, and diluted earnings per share were 11 cents compared to a loss of 3 cents.

Gross bookings advanced 16% to $4.8 billion, active riders increased to 28.7 million from 24.4 million, and rides advanced to 248.8 million from 216.7 million a year ago, respectively.  

In the quarter, net cash provided by operating activities was $291.3 million compared to $264 million a year ago. 

For the fourth quarter, the company estimated gross bookings to rise to between $5.0 billion and $5.13 billion, an increase of between 17% and 20% from a year ago. 

The company projected adjusted earnings per share to be between $135 million and $155 million, and adjusted EBITDA margin to range between 2.7% and 3.0%. 

Figma Inc. jumped 7.8% to $47.46 after the software tool developer reported better-than-expected third-quarter results. 

Revenue increased 38% to $274.1 million from $198.6 million, net loss soared to $1.1 billion from $15.6 million, and diluted loss per share expanded to $2.72 from 7 cents a year ago. 

The company guided fourth-quarter revenue between $292 million and $294 million, implying a 35% growth rate at the midpoint of the range. 

 Snap Inc. soared 19% to $8.67, and the social media platform operator issued a strong fourth-quarter outlook. 

Revenue increased 10% to $1.5 billion from $1.37 million, net loss decreased 32% to $103.5 million compared to $153.2 million, and diluted loss per share shrank 33% to 6 cents from 9 cents a year ago. 

In the quarter, daily active users increased 8% to 477 million, and monthly active users rose 7% to 943 million from a year ago, respectively. 

The company's board authorized a stock repurchase program of up to $500 million, using $3 billion of the company's cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities. 

U.S. Movers: Figma, Lyft, Snap

Scott Peters
06 Nov, 2025
New York City

Lyft Inc. increased 2.2% to $20.63, and the ride-hailing company reported better-than-expected third-quarter results. 

Revenue increased 11% to $1.7 billion from $1.5 billion, net income advanced to a profit of $46.1 million from a loss of $12.4 million, and diluted earnings per share were 11 cents compared to a loss of 3 cents.

Gross bookings advanced 16% to $4.8 billion, active riders increased to 28.7 million from 24.4 million, and rides advanced to 248.8 million from 216.7 million a year ago, respectively.  

In the quarter, net cash provided by operating activities was $291.3 million compared to $264 million a year ago. 

For the fourth quarter, the company estimated gross bookings to rise to between $5.0 billion and $5.13 billion, an increase of between 17% and 20% from a year ago. 

The company projected adjusted earnings per share to be between $135 million and $155 million, and adjusted EBITDA margin to range between 2.7% and 3.0%. 

Figma Inc. jumped 7.8% to $47.46 after the software tool developer reported better-than-expected third-quarter results. 

Revenue increased 38% to $274.1 million from $198.6 million, net loss soared to $1.1 billion from $15.6 million, and diluted loss per share expanded to $2.72 from 7 cents a year ago. 

The company guided fourth-quarter revenue between $292 million and $294 million, implying a 35% growth rate at the midpoint of the range. 

 Snap Inc. soared 19% to $8.67, and the social media platform operator issued a strong fourth-quarter outlook. 

Revenue increased 10% to $1.5 billion from $1.37 million, net loss decreased 32% to $103.5 million compared to $153.2 million, and diluted loss per share shrank 33% to 6 cents from 9 cents a year ago. 

In the quarter, daily active users increased 8% to 477 million, and monthly active users rose 7% to 943 million from a year ago, respectively. 

The company's board authorized a stock repurchase program of up to $500 million, using $3 billion of the company's cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities. 

U.S. Stocks Remained Under Pressure Amid Data Blackout and Labor Market Worries

Barry Adams
07 Nov, 2025
New York City

Stocks edged higher on the final trading day of a volatile week, and benchmark indexes struggled to advance amid mounting evidence of rising stress in the labor market.  

The S&P 500 index edged up 0.2%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite increased 0.3% amid a lackluster trading in tech stocks. 

The weakness in tech stocks was further exacerbated after a private report indicated that the job cuts in October soared to a two-decade high amid widespread layoffs ahead of the holiday season. 

Investors are struggling to decipher changing labor market conditions amid a data blackout because of the federal government shutdown. 

Friday would have seen the release of the nonfarm payrolls report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the government agency missed the report for the second month in a row.

An informal survey of six labor economists conducted by Ticker.com showed that the U.S. labor market in October contracted by 73,000, the jobless rate inched higher to 4.5%, and wages increased by 3.8% from a year ago. 

After a week of volatile trading, the S&P 500 index declined 1.7%, and the Nasdaq Composite fell 3.7%. 

 

U.S. Stock Movers

Airbnb Inc. rose 4.6% to $126.02, and the short-term rental platform operator reported strong third-quarter results and outlook. 

Revenue increased 10% to $4.1 billion, net income advanced to $1.4 billion from $1.36 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose to $2.21 from $2.13 a year ago. 

Gross booking value jumped 14% to $22.9 billion, and nights and seats booked increased 9% to 133.6 million. 

The company guided fourth-quarter revenue to range between $2.66 billion and $2.72 billion, an increase between 7% and 10% from a year ago. 

The San Francisco, California-based company estimated gross booking value to increase "low double-digits," benefiting from a "modest increase in average daily rate" from a year ago. 

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. decreased 4.1% to $242.0 after the company's subsidiary announced an additional delay in the release of the highly anticipated game.

Rockstar Games said Grand Theft Auto VI will now be released in November 2026, later than the previous estimated release in May 2026. 

Tesla Inc. increased 0.8% to $449.65 after the company said shareholders overwhelmingly approved CEO Elon Musk's $1 trillion pay plan. 

About 76% of shareholders approved the revised milestone-based pay package, consisting of 12 blocks of shares over the next decade. 

After the vesting of all stock rewards, Musk's equity stake in the company could increase to 25% from the current 13%. 

U.S. Stocks Remained Under Pressure Amid Data Blackout and Labor Market Worries

Barry Adams
07 Nov, 2025
New York City

Stocks edged higher on the final trading day of a volatile week, and benchmark indexes struggled to advance amid mounting evidence of rising stress in the labor market.  

The S&P 500 index edged up 0.2%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite increased 0.3% amid a lackluster trading in tech stocks. 

The weakness in tech stocks was further exacerbated after a private report indicated that the job cuts in October soared to a two-decade high amid widespread layoffs ahead of the holiday season. 

Investors are struggling to decipher changing labor market conditions amid a data blackout because of the federal government shutdown. 

Friday would have seen the release of the nonfarm payrolls report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the government agency missed the report for the second month in a row.

An informal survey of six labor economists conducted by Ticker.com showed that the U.S. labor market in October contracted by 73,000, the jobless rate inched higher to 4.5%, and wages increased by 3.8% from a year ago. 

In the week-to-date at the close of Thursday, the S&P 500 index declined 1.8%, and the Nasdaq Composite fell 2.8%. 

 

U.S. Stock Movers

Airbnb Inc. rose 4.6% to $126.02, and the short-term rental platform operator reported strong third-quarter results and outlook. 

Revenue increased 10% to $4.1 billion, net income advanced to $1.4 billion from $1.36 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose to $2.21 from $2.13 a year ago. 

Gross booking value jumped 14% to $22.9 billion, and nights and seats booked increased 9% to 133.6 million. 

The company guided fourth-quarter revenue to range between $2.66 billion and $2.72 billion, an increase between 7% and 10% from a year ago. 

The San Francisco, California-based company estimated gross booking value to increase "low double-digits," benefiting from a "modest increase in average daily rate" from a year ago. 

 Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. decreased 4.1% to $242.0 after the company's subsidiary announced an additional delay in the release of the highly anticipated game.

Rockstar Games said Grand Theft Auto VI will now be released in November 2026, later than the previous estimated release in May 2026. 

Tesla Inc. increased 0.8% to $449.65 after the company said shareholders overwhelmingly approved CEO Elon Musk's $1 trillion pay plan. 

About 76% of shareholders approved the revised milestone-based pay package, consisting of 12 blocks of shares over the next decade. 

After the vesting of all stock rewards, Musk's equity stake in the company could increase to 25% from the current 13%.