https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/equities-close-higher-as-softer-jobs-data-quiets-rate-hike-expectationsContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/equities-close-higher-as-softer-jobs-data-quiets-rate-hike-expectationshttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/equities-close-higher-as-softer-jobs-data-quiets-rate-hike-expectations#u100955Mon, 05 Oct 2026 02:16:10 +0000US equities closed higher on Friday, October 2, 2026, following a September nonfarm payrolls report that was cooler than economists expected. The Nasdaq reached a record high, leading gains across tech and small-cap shares. Investors reacted to the softer hiring data by lowering expectations for a Federal Reserve interest rate hike at this month's policy meeting. While the major indexes rose on Friday, the Dow and S&P 500 still recorded losses for the overall week.Why it mattersThe Federal Reserve uses employment data to determine whether to raise interest rates to combat inflation. L