Markets Mixed After April Jobs Beat, Consumer Sentiment Miss

U.S. employers added 115,000 jobs in April, compared with 62,000 expected, while the official unemployment rate held steady after data released Friday morning. Unrounded unemployment figures showed a small increase that officials described as limited.

The preliminary University of Michigan consumer sentiment index declined below forecasts. The reading reflected household concern about price pressures, with gasoline prices at their highest levels since 2022.

Iran reported U.S. strikes on Tehran and on energy-producing areas including Bandar Abbas and Sirik in response to earlier Iranian attacks on Gulf states. Market participants assessed the incidents as unlikely to escalate into broader conflict, and attention remained focused on Middle East developments over the weekend.

Equity and commodity markets were mixed. Technology stocks resumed gains after a brief pause while broad equities and energy names showed little directional movement. Metals led sector advances, with silver and copper posting the largest gains and gold beginning to strengthen.

West Texas Intermediate crude oil traded in a range between about $93 and $98 per barrel, with traders watching for a sustained four-hour close outside that band as a signal of a clearer breakout.

Canada's employment figures continued a pattern of monthly ups and downs, reflecting a cyclical labor market. Market participants listed the May 14 meeting between former President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping as a key event on next week's economic calendar.

Analysts observed that the muted market response reflected a willingness to absorb the economic data without major position changes ahead of next week. Traders said they would monitor weekend headlines, oil-range breaks and any new economic releases that could influence opening levels on Monday.