Robust job growth fuels stock market surge
The US stock market rallied significantly on Friday following a surprisingly strong jobs report. The broader S&P 500 index rose 0.6%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite gained 0.7%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 220 points. The positive market reaction was led by September employment data, which revealed the creation of 254,000 jobs. This figure exceeded analysts' expectations of 150,000 new jobs and further solidified confidence in a resilient U.S. economy. Investors were particularly encouraged by the decline in the unemployment rate from 4.2% to 4.1%. This suggests a healthy job market and greater economic stability. Michelle Cluver, head of…