Nasdaq Today LIVE: Index Slips 0.04% As Strong US Jobs Report Revives Fed Rate-Hike Bets; Investors Track Inflation Data, Treasury Yields & Tech Stocks | Check What Investors Should Watch

Nasdaq Today LIVE: The Nasdaq Composite came under pressure on Friday as a stronger-than-expected US jobs report increased expectations that the Federal Reserve could raise interest rates at its September meeting. Investors are now turning their attention to inflation data and Treasury yields for further clues about the central bank’s next move.  

Nasdaq Today LIVE: Strong Jobs Data Changes Fed Outlook

US employers added 162,000 jobs in August, well above the 56,000 increase expected by economists, according to Reuters. The unemployment rate remained steady at 4.1%, suggesting that the labour market remains more resilient than previously feared. 

The report quickly changed expectations for monetary policy. Market-implied odds of a Federal Reserve rate hike at the September 15-16 meeting rose to about 65%, from 55% before the jobs report, Reuters reported. 

For technology stocks, the shift is important because higher interest rates can put pressure on valuations, particularly for growth companies whose expected earnings extend further into the future.

Nasdaq And Wall Street Under Pressure

The stronger employment numbers pushed Treasury yields higher and weighed on US equities. Reuters reported that the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average declined after the data, while market breadth was also negative on both the NYSE and Nasdaq.  

The Nasdaq had gained 1.40% on Thursday, when comments from Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller helped reduce immediate fears of a September rate hike. That optimism faded after Friday’s employment report. 

Treasury Yields Rise

The bond market has become another major focus for Nasdaq investors. Reuters reported that the US 10-year Treasury yield climbed to around 4.80%, its highest level since early 2025. Rising yields can make equities relatively less attractive and increase financing costs across the economy.  

The latest move also comes amid a broader global bond selloff, with investors reassessing inflation and the longer-term level of interest rates.

Fed Rate Decision Now In Focus

The Federal Reserve’s September meeting will be closely watched after the stronger jobs data. While Waller had signalled that policymakers could remain patient if inflation pressures were easing, the latest employment figures have strengthened the case for keeping rate increases under consideration. 

Fed officials are likely to weigh the labour-market resilience against inflation trends before making a decision.

Inflation Data Could Drive The Next Market Move

Investors will now look beyond the jobs report to the next batch of inflation indicators.

Reuters said producer and consumer inflation data are due next week, providing potentially important information ahead of the Federal Reserve’s September meeting.  

A hotter-than-expected inflation reading could further strengthen rate-hike expectations, while softer inflation could ease pressure on technology and growth stocks.

Nasdaq Today: Stocks Investors Are Watching

The technology sector remains highly sensitive to changes in interest-rate expectations. Investors are particularly focused on major technology and AI-related companies following a period of elevated valuations and strong market gains.

Recent corporate developments have also highlighted the high expectations surrounding artificial intelligence. Reuters reported that Broadcom shares fell despite beating revenue expectations after its outlook failed to satisfy lofty AI-growth expectations.  

September Seasonality Adds Another Risk

Market participants are also heading into a historically challenging period for equities. Reuters noted that investors are mindful of historically weak September trading trends, particularly later in the month.  

That seasonal concern comes alongside elevated Treasury yields, inflation uncertainty and changing expectations for Federal Reserve policy.

Nasdaq Today LIVE: What Investors Should Watch

The key factors for Nasdaq investors in the coming sessions include:

• Federal Reserve rate-hike expectations

• US consumer and producer inflation data

• 10-year Treasury yields

• Large-cap technology and AI stocks

• Corporate earnings and forward guidance

• Oil prices and their potential inflation impact

• Broader September market volatility

Nasdaq Today LIVE: Key Takeaway

The Nasdaq’s latest move reflects a broader shift in the market’s interest-rate narrative. A stronger-than-expected August jobs report has increased expectations for a possible Federal Reserve rate hike, while rising Treasury yields are adding pressure to growth-oriented stocks. 

The next major test for Wall Street will be whether upcoming inflation data reinforce or weaken the case for tighter monetary policy. Until then, Nasdaq investors are likely to remain highly sensitive to Treasury yields, Fed signals and developments across major technology stocks.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not investment advice. US market prices can change rapidly, and intraday figures may change after publication. The information above is based on Reuters information.