Day Traders Diary

9/1/23

The major averages closed mixed to start the new month following economic data that showed U.S. unemployment rose to its highest level in a year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 115 points or 0.33%. The S&P 500 rose 8 points while the Nasdaq fell 3 points.

The latest U.S. nonfarm payrolls report showed the unemployment rate ticked higher to 3.8% in August, reaching its highest level in more than a year. Economists had expected it to remain at 3.5%.

In another sign of a slowing economy and easing pricing pressures, average hourly earnings increased 4.29% on a year-over-year basis, less than the 4.4% increase expected by economists polled by Dow Jones.

August payrolls grew at a faster-than-expected pace, with 187,000 being added. However, job numbers first reported for June and July were revised down by a combined 110,000.

Investors also pored over fresh earnings reports. Database software maker MongoDB and Dell Technologies rose 3% and 21%, respectively on earnings. Athletic apparel retailer Lululemon Athletica jumped 6% thanks to strong earnings and a boost to the full year forecast.

To the downside, Walgreens (WBA) fell 7% to a 52-week low after lowering guidance and having the CEO, Rosalind Brewer step down abruptly. The stock is down 50% in the last year and a half.