Investors are focused on better-than-expected employment data headed into the start of trading on Friday. The latest figures showed the best payroll expansion in 9 months, and the unemployment rate unexpectedly declined to its lowest level in almost 3 years.
The U.S. economy added 243,000 jobs in January, according to new statistics released by the Department of Labor on Friday. Economists had expected an increase of 135,000.
The advance in January was the largest gain since April of 2011.
Estee Lauder reported earnings that rose 10 percent from last year, excluding the impact from restructuring activities. Revenue at the cosmetics giant were up 10 percent.
Tyson Foods saw its quarterly profit decline, hurt by what the company describes as a "rough patch" for its beef segment. Higher ingredient costs also cut into the firm's bottom line.
Wynn Resorts reported a higher fourth-quarter profit. The casino operator attributed the better-than-expected bottom line to improved results in both Macau and Las Vegas. However, revenues fell short of expectations.
Panasonic said it now expects a loss for the year of more than $10 billion - nearly double its earlier loss forecast. The company cited sales declines in its digital products, global economic slowdown, the European debt crisis and Thailand flooding.
The Senate has passed a new insider-trading bill. The measure bans members of Congress from trading on information they learn as part of their jobs as law makers. The legislation passed the Senate by a vote of 96 to 3.
There was a mixed performance in Asia. Japan's market finished lower by 0.5 percent. However, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan all ended the day higher.
In Europe, stocks are little changed, though the U.K. is posting a modest gain. France and Germany are basically flat. The U.K. is up 0.4 percent.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Market Analysis
June 12, 2026 17:14 ET Major central bank action was the focus this week in economic news. The European Central Bank became the first major central bank to move in response to the rising inflationary pressures in the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East. In North America, the U.S. inflation and trade data as well as Canada’s central bank decision gained attention. The Chinese trade data was the main news in Asia.