Finance

Oil prices slumped over two percent following an agreement by G7 and European leaders to release strategic crude and diesel supplies to ease market pressures. U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures fell toward $90.85 per barrel, while international benchmark Brent crude dipped back near the $100 threshold despite ongoing Middle East geopolitical tensions.

The yield on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note pulled back to roughly 5.18%–5.21% in response to the cooler-than-expected payroll figures. This pullback provided relief to the broader financial markets after the 10-year yield touched an intraday peak of 5.342% earlier in the week, marking its highest point since 2002.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite and S&P 500 moved higher, buoyed by notable strength in the artificial intelligence and chip sectors. Strong corporate earnings, including quadrupled quarterly revenue from memory giant Micron Technology, helped sustain positive momentum for equities despite broader macroeconomic headwinds.