S&P futures exhibited a mixed performance early Friday as market participants anticipated the forthcoming payrolls report for August. Futures associated with the Dow Jones Industrial Average exhibited a decline of 0.06% as of 5:50 am. In contrast, S&P 500 futures experienced a modest increase of 0.04%, while Nasdaq-100 futures rose by 0.4%. In Thursday’s regular trading session, the three major averages experienced an upward movement. The 30-stock Dow experienced an increase of over 600 points, translating to a rise of 1.2%, marking its most significant daily performance since August 4. The S&P 500 climbed more than 1%, while the Nasdaq Composite advanced 1.4%.

U.S. stocks experienced a boost as Treasury yields declined following comments from Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller, who expressed an inclination to support maintaining rates within the current target range of 3.5% to 3.75% at the central bank’s meeting on September 15-16. Traders are closely monitoring the upcoming market catalyst this week: the jobs report for August, scheduled for release on Friday morning. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones anticipate that 53,000 nonfarm payrolls were added in the previous month, with an expected unemployment rate of 4.1%. This reflects a decline of 23,000 jobs in July.

“A significant amount of hawkishness seems priced in already, in our view, especially considering the fact that some signs of activity moderation is visible in the U.S.,” strategists said in a note Friday morning. “As a result, while another Fed hike is the base case, today’s payrolls report and next week’s CPI release will be crucial. Any meaningful downside surprise could still alter the market’s policy expectations, in our view.” Equities are positioned for a successful week. The S&P 500 is poised for a 0.5% increase, whereas the Nasdaq is set to achieve a 0.7% rise. The Dow is poised for a 0.2% increase.

In Asia, South Korea’s Kospi experienced an increase of 1.64% on Friday, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 saw a rise of 1.26%. Mainland China’s CSI 300 closed the day marginally lower at 4,548.05, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index was 1.82% higher as of its last hour of trade. European stocks exhibited a mixed performance, as the pan-European Stoxx 600 index registered a slight increase on Friday, while major regional exchanges displayed varied results.