US stocks open in the green: Dow surges 300 points, S&P up 0.3%

• January nonfarm payrolls exceeded forecasts with 130,000 jobs added, significantly above December's revised figure, easing concerns about labor market weakness but complicating rate cut expectations
• Initial jobless claims fell to 227,000 for the week ending February 7, down 5,000 from the prior week, with the four-week moving average reaching its lowest level since October 2024
• Mixed corporate earnings drove selective stock movements, with McDonald's rising 1% after beating expectations, while markets await Friday's consumer price index report for fresh inflation insights

Market Summary: US Equities Post Modest Gains Amid Jobs Data and Earnings

Market Performance (February 12, 2026):

US stocks opened higher on Thursday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average surging 295 points (+0.6%), the S&P 500 rising 0.3%, and the Nasdaq Composite gaining 0.4%. Markets steadied after a volatile week marked by mixed signals on employment and inflation.

Key Economic Data:

January nonfarm payrolls showed 130,000 jobs added, significantly exceeding forecasts and December's revised figures. The unemployment rate improved to 4.3% from 4.4%. Weekly initial jobless claims totaled 227,000 for the week ended February 7, down 5,000 from the prior week but above the 225,000 Dow Jones estimate. Continuing claims rose 21,000 to 1.86 million, though the four-week moving average hit its lowest level since October 2024.

Corporate Earnings:

Individual stocks showed mixed reactions to earnings reports. McDonald's rose approximately 1% after beating earnings expectations, supporting the consumer discretionary sector. Investors remained selective, focusing heavily on forward guidance and company outlooks.

Market Implications:

The stronger-than-expected jobs data reassured investors about economic resilience but complicated Federal Reserve rate cut expectations. Sustained labor strength combined with elevated inflation could limit monetary easing, making upcoming inflation data critical. Markets are now focused on Friday's January consumer price index release and Thursday's existing home sales report (expected at 4.15 million annualized pace).

Context:

Tuesday's flat December retail sales disappointed expectations, raising concerns about consumer demand. The employment data eased fears about momentum loss in the labor market after months of "low-hire, low-fire" conditions.