US stock market today: Why Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq are rising today – December jobs report and Supreme Court tariff ruling take center stage

US Stock Market Today: The S&P 500 rose on Friday as investors reacted to the latest U.S. jobs report and awaited a pivotal Supreme Court decision on President Trump’s tariff powers. The benchmark index climbed about 0.3%, while the Nasdaq Composite posted a similar gain, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average added around 98 points (0.2%). These gains kept all three major indexes on track for weekly growth, extending the market’s positive momentum into 2026.

The December jobs report revealed modest but steady payroll growth. Nonfarm payrolls increased by roughly 50,000, slightly below economists’ expectations but still indicating ongoing economic activity. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate inched down to 4.4%, better than forecasted. Investors saw this as a sign of a cooling yet resilient labor market, suggesting the Federal Reserve could maintain its current interest rates in the near term.

At the same time, market participants are closely watching the Supreme Court’s review of Trump-era tariffs imposed under emergency authority. The ruling could reshape U.S. trade policy and influence corporate planning across industries. Many companies are waiting for the outcome before making decisions on inventory, supply chains, and hiring.

Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq are rising today

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose to around 49,279, up modestly on the day. The S&P 500 climbed near 6,935, while the Nasdaq Composite traded above 23,514. The moves extended weekly gains, keeping all three major indexes on track for a positive finish.

Stocks are heading toward a winning week. The S&P 500 is up about 1%, while the Dow has gained roughly 2%. The Nasdaq is higher by more than 1% week to date. Investors continue to favor companies with clear earnings visibility and strong balance sheets.

Jobs data shows slow growth but keeps markets buoyant

The U.S. job market continued to show slower growth in December, following trends observed in the latter half of 2025. Payroll gains were weaker than anticipated, but the slight decline in unemployment suggested that labor conditions were not deteriorating sharply. This mix of signals has been critical for investors considering future Federal Reserve interest rate policy.
Economists note that late 2025 job creation was the slowest in years, influenced by climate uncertainty, trade tensions, and technological shifts altering hiring patterns. Despite slower growth, wage gains remained positive, and layoffs were modest. These mixed indicators helped support equity prices, with traders betting the Fed would hold rates steady for now.Markets often respond strongly to labor data because robust job growth can signal inflation pressures, which might push the Fed toward rate hikes. Conversely, weaker-than-expected reports, like December’s, can reinforce expectations of a gentle monetary policy path. Friday’s modest market gains reflected this balance.

Top Stock today:

• Opendoor Technologies Inc (OPEN) – Up 12.9%, strong trading volume, showing significant short-term gains.
• Intel Corporation (INTC) – Up 6.98%, tech sector rebound, positive investor sentiment.
• NuScale Power Corporation Class A (SMR) – Up 9.43%, mid-cap energy technology surge.
• Applied Digital Corporation (APLD) – Up 10.21%, robust market activity and buying interest.
• Cemtrex, Inc. (CETX) – Up 33.79%, major intraday gain, attracting investor attention.

Energy-related names like NuScale Power and Applied Digital also posted strong gains, rising 7.7% and 7.9% respectively. These movements suggest that while the “Big Three” indices are moving in tight ranges, there is a fierce rotation happening under the surface as traders bet on which sectors will benefit most from the administration’s fiscal and trade policies.

Supreme court tariff case adds market uncertainty

Beyond labor data, U.S. markets are focused on the Supreme Court’s review of Trump’s tariffs. The high court is evaluating whether tariffs imposed under emergency powers are lawful, with a ruling potentially coming soon. Investors see this case as a key market catalyst.

If the court strikes down the tariffs, companies could receive billions in refund claims, and supply chain costs might decrease. This outcome could boost sentiment in sectors such as retail, consumer goods, and technology, with importers potentially claiming between $150 billion and $200 billion. On the other hand, if tariffs are upheld, persistent trade barriers could raise costs for many industries, potentially slowing hiring and investment. Bond yields could also react if tariff revenues decrease and fiscal deficits widen.

The case unfolds amid broader geopolitical tensions, particularly involving U.S. policy toward Iran and the Middle East. These developments affect oil markets, defense spending, and global investor risk appetite. Geopolitical stress often nudges investors toward safer assets, influencing equities and currencies indirectly.

Investors are also tracking policy signals from Washington. President Trump recently directed federal agencies to purchase up to $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities to lower long-term interest rates and ease mortgage costs. While details are limited, such fiscal measures can influence bond markets, housing affordability, and consumer sentiment.

FAQs:

Q: What caused the S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq to rise today? A: The S&P 500 rose 0.3%, Dow added 98 points, and Nasdaq gained modestly. Investors reacted to December jobs data showing 50,000 payroll growth and a drop in unemployment to 4.4%, while awaiting a Supreme Court ruling on Trump-era tariffs. Market optimism also reflected potential Fed rate stability.

Q: How could the Supreme Court tariff ruling impact U.S. markets?

A: If the court strikes down tariffs, companies could claim $150–200 billion in refunds and supply chain costs may fall, boosting retail and tech stocks. If upheld, trade costs could rise, slowing hiring and investment. Market sensitivity will remain high until the decision is announced.