JOLTs Job Openings Fall To 7.6 Million; SP500 Tests Session Highs

On February 4, 2025, the U.S. released JOLTs Job Openings report for December. The report indicated that JOLTs Job Openings decreased from 8.156 million (revised from 8.098 million) in November to 7.6 million in December, compared to analyst forecast of 8 million.

The JOLTs Job Openings report missed analyst estimates by a wide margin and showed that the job market could be slowing down.

Today, traders also had a chance to take a look at the Factory Orders report for December. The report indicated that Factory Orders declined by 0.9% month-over-month, compared to analyst forecast of -0.7%.

Factory Orders ex Transportation increased by 0.3%, while analysts expected that they would grow by +0.6%.

U.S. Dollar Index tested session lows as traders reacted to the weaker-than-expected JOLTs Job Openings report. Traders bet that Fed may be less hawkish in case the job market find itself under pressure. Currently, U.S. Dollar Index is trying to settle below the 108.20 level.

Gold tested historic highs as traders focused on U.S. dollar’s pullback. Spot gold has recently managed to settle above the $2840 level and is trying to gain additional upside momentum.

SP500 moved above the 6020 level as traders reacted to the reports. The Fed policy outlook remains an important driver for the stock market, so weak job market data may serve as a positive catalyst for SP500 today.

For a look at all of today’s economic events, check out our economic calendar.