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U.S. stock index futures jumped on Friday on the back of U.S. jobs growth that easily topped expectations.
Futures for the Dow Jones Industrials gained 51 points, or 0.2%, Friday to 27,729.
Futures for the S&P 500 tacked on 5.75 points, or 0.2%, at 3,123.50
The NASDAQ Composite acquired 24 points, or 0.3%, to 8,333.25.
The U.S. Labor Department released figures saying the economy added 266,000 jobs in November. Economists polled by Dow Jones expected a gain of 187,000.
Other data slated for release Friday includes consumer sentiment for December, wholesale trade figures for October and the latest reading of consumer credit will all follow slightly later in the session.
Market focus is largely attuned to global trade developments, following an upbeat tone from President Donald Trump.
On Thursday, Trump said the world’s two largest economies were inching closer to a trade deal. His comments come as investors continue to closely monitor the prospect of a so-called phase one trade agreement, with less than 10 days to go before Washington is poised to impose even more tariffs on Chinese goods. Tariffs on another $156 billion in Chinese goods are set to go into effect on Dec. 15.
Overseas, in Japan, the Nikkei 225 gained 0.2% Friday, while in Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index vaulted 1.1%.
Oil prices slipped 28 cents at $58.15 U.S. a barrel.
Gold prices fell $1.80 to $1,481.30 U.S. an ounce.
Dow Futures Leap on Blockbuster Jobs Report
