United States: Stocks Rise as Rate Hike Bets Fade.

US stock indices closed higher on Friday after weaker-than-expected labor market data reduced expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike next month. The S&P 500 rose 0.6% to a record close of 7,758, the Nasdaq gained 1.2%, and the Dow added 152 points. Nonfarm payrolls unexpectedly fell by 23,000 from the previous month, while both the unemployment rate and labor force participation rate declined, easing concerns that labor market strength could fuel inflation. Lower Treasury yields supported credit-sensitive stocks. SpaceX surged 15.8%, extending Thursday's rally after Argus Research upgraded the stock to "Buy," citing rapid returns on its AI infrastructure investments. Palantir jumped 10.3%, extending gains following strong second-quarter results and a higher 2026 outlook. Meanwhile, Sandisk and Western Digital fell 3.7% and 3.8%, respectively, while Berkshire Hathaway slipped 1% ahead of its earnings report.