Finance

Expectations for an aggressive rate hike from the Federal Reserve dropped significantly following a weaker-than-anticipated nonfarm payrolls report showing an increase of just 29,000 jobs. Investors are increasingly betting that the central bank will keep interest rates stable at its upcoming policy meeting.

Despite softer employment figures and cooled expectations for imminent monetary tightening, the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield advanced to 5.31%. Long-term borrowing costs continue to press multi-decade highs, driven by heavier federal borrowing and strong competition for capital.

International oil benchmarks experienced significant intra-day fluctuations, with Brent crude moving between $100 and $103 per barrel before settling down 1.9% at approximately $100.32. The instability is primarily driven by unresolved tensions in the Middle East and concerns over supply chain normalizations.