Money Anecdotes

Stock index futures were little changed on Friday ahead of the key monthly payrolls report that will give investors insight on the state of the ailing labor market.

August was tough, but there were glimmers of hope

AUSTRALIA’S stock market was higher at noon, after losing some ground earlier, with all four major banks falling into negative territory.

The Japanese stock market opened higher on Friday on positive cues from Wall Street, where stocks surged higher overnight on the back of some encouraging economic reports. A slight weakening of the yen against the dollar too contributed to the positive start.

Stock futures fluctuated in a narrow range Thursday, a day after investors sent stocks surging to start the new month. The hesitancy to extend the market’s big gains came as investors prepare for key readings on the jobs market over the next two days.

Stock futures slipped Thursday, a day after investors sent stocks surging to start the new month. The hesitancy to extend the market’s big gains came as investors prepare for key readings on the jobs market over the next two days.

NEW YORK —The stock market started September with a jolt, turning sharply higher Wednesdayafter a pair of encouraging reports on manufacturing sent investors seeking out riskier investments. Prices for the safest assets — Treasurys, gold and the dollar — all fell.

By Jacob Wolinsky. I updatemarket valuations on a monthly basis

Stock index futures rose on Wednesday as new signs of growth in China and Australia eased concerns about the global economy and investors awaited data on the labor market and housing.

The stock market ended its worst August since 2001 with meager gains Tuesday after minutes from the latest Federal Reserve meeting showed officials’ increasing concern about the economy.