TLDR
- Nasdaq climbed 0.2% as Tesla shares rose over 3% to a record high.
- Dow Jones lost 0.6% and S&P 500 fell 0.2% amid mixed labor data.
- November jobs report showed 64,000 new jobs while unemployment rose to 4.6%.
- Tesla stock surged following robotaxi advancements and continued investor optimism.
U.S. stocks ended the session mixed as investors reacted to fresh labor data and major corporate moves. The Dow Jones and S&P 500 closed lower, while the Nasdaq snapped a three-day losing streak. Tesla shares reached a new record, lifting the tech-heavy index. At the same time, rising unemployment added uncertainty to the outlook for interest rates and economic momentum.
Major Indexes Close Mixed as Tesla Hits Record
Wall Street showed divergent moves during Tuesday’s session. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.6%, losing nearly 300 points by the close. The S&P 500 slipped 0.2%, extending recent pressure on broader equities.
In contrast, the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.2% and ended a three-day decline. Gains in large technology stocks supported the index. Tesla played a central role after its shares climbed more than 3% to a record close.
Tesla’s rise followed renewed attention on its robotaxi developments. The stock has gained about 30% this year. Investor interest has remained strong despite volatility across the broader market.
Jobs Report Sends Mixed Signals to Investors
Market attention focused on the delayed November jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The data showed the U.S. economy added 64,000 jobs last month. This figure came in above market expectations.
However, the unemployment rate rose to 4.6%, the highest level since 2021. The report also revised October data, showing a loss of 105,000 jobs. These figures raised questions about labor market strength.
Investors weighed the data carefully as they assessed economic trends. Job growth suggested continued hiring, but higher unemployment pointed to emerging stress. The mixed signals contributed to uneven trading across sectors.
Fed Rate Outlook Comes Back Into Focus
The labor data renewed debate around future Federal Reserve policy. Traders are now split on how the central bank may act in 2026. Many expect policymakers to focus more on labor conditions.
Market pricing shows a majority of traders expect two rate cuts next year. This view reflects concern that job market weakness may outweigh inflation risks. Inflation has remained above target but has shown slower momentum.
Another key data point arrives later this week. November consumer inflation figures are scheduled for release on Thursday. Fed Chair Jerome Powell has said upcoming decisions will depend on a wide set of data.
Corporate News Adds to Market Movement
Corporate developments also shaped trading sentiment. Ford shares were in focus after the company announced a $19.5 billion charge. The charge relates to its shift away from certain electric vehicle investments.
Tesla continued to draw attention within the auto sector. Investors responded positively to progress in autonomous driving technology. Robotaxi developments have become a core part of Tesla’s long-term strategy.
Elsewhere, trading activity remained cautious. Many investors avoided large bets ahead of key economic data. Volumes reflected a wait-and-see approach as the year draws closer to its end.
Market Sentiment Remains Cautious
Tuesday’s session reflected a market searching for direction. Gains in technology stocks helped stabilize the Nasdaq. Losses in industrial and defensive names weighed on the Dow.
Rising unemployment introduced fresh uncertainty. Investors are watching whether job market weakness deepens in coming months. At the same time, corporate earnings and innovation continue to support select stocks.
As trading continues, markets remain sensitive to economic updates and policy signals. Tesla’s record close showed appetite for growth stories. However, broader indexes reflected caution across the market.





