Contracts on the three major US futures hovered near the flatline on Tuesday as traders digested a batch of delayed economic data that did little to alter expectations for the Federal Reserve, with markets still seeing room for at least one additional rate cut next year.
The jobs report showed the US economy added 64K jobs in November, above the 50K forecast, while the unemployment rate unexpectedly rose to 4.6%, its highest level since 2021, signaling a cooling labour market.
Meanwhile, retail sales were flat overall, weighed down by declines at auto dealers and gasoline stations, although spending remained stronger across several other categories.