American equity markets open positively Friday

The US Stock market experienced a positive opening Thursday, following the release of rather soft US data. In the US, the highly anticipated Nonfarm Payrolls came in at 157K in January, against expectations of 160K, and relative to 155K previously. In addition, the Unemployment Rate (January) was reported at 7.9%, against estimates calling for 7.8%.

Beginning with the indices and composites, the NASDAQ rose +0.60% as it settles in region of 3161.17, up +18.81 points in these moments. In addition, the S&P 500 is trading in positive territory, operating at 1505.82, climbing +7.56 points or +0.50% at the time of writing. Finally, the Dow Jones has moved higher at the opening as well, trading in the zone of 13937.60, presently +0.56% after an ascent of +77.02 points.

Sectors are all mixed at the opening, however the Technology and Basic Materials sectors have distinguished themselves as the winners thus far, jumping +0.74% and +0.80% respectively. In other news, the price of crude has settled above USD $96.60 Friday.