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WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Stocks fluctuated early in the trading day on Friday but moved mostly higher over the course of the session. The major averages added to the gains posted during Thursday's session, reaching their highest closing levels in well over a year.

The major averages reached new highs late in the session but gave back some ground going into the close. The Dow rose 130.49 points or 0.4 percent to 36,247.87, the Nasdaq advanced 63.98 points or 0.5 percent to 14,403.97 and the S&P 500 climbed 18.78 points or 0.4 percent to 4,604.37.

For the week, the Dow inched marginally higher, the S&P 500 edged up by 0.2 percent and the Nasdaq increased by 0.7 percent.

The early volatility on Wall Street came following the release of a highly anticipated Labor Department report showing stronger than expected job growth in the month of November.

The closely watched report said non-farm payroll employment jumped by 199,000 jobs in November after rising by 150,000 jobs in October. Economists had expected employment to climb by 180,000 jobs.

The Labor Department also said the unemployment rate dipped to 3.7 percent in November from 3.9 percent in October. The unemployment rate was expected to remain unchanged.

The data raised concerns strength in the labor market could lead the Federal Reserve to postpone cutting interest rates, with investors hoping the central bank would pivot to rate cuts as early as March 2024.

'Despite the setback, markets are still pricing in a rate cut by May and four in total next year so it isn't that much of a setback,' said Craig Erlam OANDA Senior Market Analyst, UK & EMEA.

He added, 'The jobs report just wasn't ideal and didn't really fit the narrative that had been building in the markets, some would say too much.'

Meanwhile, buying interest was generated in reaction to a University of Michigan report showing a pullback in consumers' inflation expectations in the month of December.

The report said year-ahead inflation expectations plunged to 3.1 percent in December from 4.5 percent in November, falling to their lowest level since March 2021.

Long-run inflation expectations also fell to 2.8 percent in December from 3.2 percent in November, matching the second lowest reading seen since July 2021.

'For the Fed this is significant because it would be difficult for the Fed to formally complete its rate hike campaign if consumer expectations continued to climb higher, as 'unanchored' expectations would continue to feed inflationary pressures,' said Quincy Krosby, Chief Global Strategist for LPL Financial.

She added, 'Still, a more confident consumer, coupled with a stronger labor market, could thwart the Fed's attempt to dampen consumer demand.'

Sector News

Computer hardware stocks turned in a strong performance on the day, resulting in a 1.7 percent advance by the NYSE Arca Computer Hardware Index.

Significant strength was also visible among financial stocks, with the NYSE Arca Broker/Dealer Index and the KBW Bank Index climbing by 1.5 percent and 1.4 percent, respectively.

A substantial rebound by the price of crude oil also contributed to considerable strength among energy stocks, while gold and airline stocks moved to the downside over the course of the session.

Other Markets

In overseas trading, stock markets across the Asia-Pacific region turned in a mixed performance during trading on Friday. Japan's Nikkei 225 Index tumbled by 1.7 percent, while South Korea's Kospi jumped by 1.0 percent.

Meanwhile, the major European markets all moved to the upside on the day. While the French CAC 40 Index surged by 1.3 percent, the German DAX Index advanced by 0.8 percent and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 Index climbed by 0.5 percent.

In the bond market, treasuries moved sharply lower in reaction to the stronger than expected jobs data. Subsequently, the yield on the benchmark ten-year note, which moves opposite of its price, surged 11.6 basis points to 4.245 percent.

Looking Ahead

With the Fed widely expected to leave interest rates unchanged following its monetary policy next week, traders are likely to focus more closely on the central bank's accompanying statement and projections.

Reports on consumer and producer price inflation are also likely to attract attention along with reports on retail sales and industrial production.

WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - After recovering from an initial move to the downside, stocks have fluctuated over the course of the trading session but largely maintained a positive bias. With the upward move, the Nasdaq and the S&P 500 are on pace to end the session at their best closing levels in well over a year.

Currently, the major averages are posting moderate gains. The Dow is up 95.41 points or 0.3 percent at 36,212.79, the Nasdaq is up 58.69 points or 0.4 percent at 14,398.68 and the S&P 500 is up 14.27 points or 0.3 percent at 4,599.86.

The initial weakness on Wall Street came after the Labor Department released stronger than expected jobs data, partly offsetting recent optimism about the outlook for interest rates.

The closely watched report said non-farm payroll employment jumped by 199,000 jobs in November after rising by 150,000 jobs in October. Economists had expected employment to climb by 180,000 jobs.

The Labor Department also said the unemployment rate dipped to 3.7 percent in November from 3.9 percent in October. The unemployment rate was expected to remain unchanged.

Treasury yields jumped following the release of the report amid concerns strength in the labor market could lead the Federal Reserve to postpone cutting interest rates.

Selling pressure waned shortly after the start of trading, however, as traders remain optimistic the next move by the Fed will be a rate cut even if it comes later than hoped.

Buying interest has also been generated in reaction to a University of Michigan report showing a pullback in consumers' inflation expectations in the month of December.

The report said year-ahead inflation expectations plunged to 3.1 percent in December from 4.5 percent in November, falling to their lowest level since March 2021.

Long-run inflation expectations also fell to 2.8 percent in December from 3.2 percent in November, matching the second lowest reading seen since July 2021.

She added, 'Still, a more confident consumer, coupled with a stronger labor market, could thwart the Fed's attempt to dampen consumer demand.'

Sector News

Computer hardware stocks continue to see significant strength on the day, with the NYSE Arca Computer Hardware Index climbing by 1.7 percent.

Considerable strength also remains visible among banking stocks, as reflected by the 1.3 percent gain being posted by the KBW Bank Index.

Energy, brokerage and housing stocks are also seeing notable strength, while gold and airline stocks have come under pressure over the course of the session.

Other Markets

In the bond market, treasuries have climbed well off their worst levels of the day but remain sharply lower. Subsequently, the yield on the benchmark ten-year note, which moves opposite of its price, is up by 10.4 basis points at 4.233 percent.

BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The Switzerland market ended on a firm note on Friday, in line with markets across the region, amid optimism the Fed will start cutting interest rates from early next year, and on data showing a bigger than expected addition in U.S. non-farm payroll employment in November.

The benchmark SMI ended the day's session with a gain of 103.67 points or 0.95% at 11,071.77.

Swisscom, down marginally, was the only loser in the SMI index.

Richemont climbed about 2.6% and Logitech International gained 2.1%. UBS Group surged 1.8% and Roche Holdings ended higher by 1.54%.

Swiss Life Holding and ABB both gained about 1.4%. Sonova and Partners Group moved up nearly 1%.

Among the stocks in the Mid Price Index, Meyer Burger Tech soared nearly 14%. ams OSRAM AG shares gained about 5.2%.

Sandoz advanced 3.2%, while Belimo Holding gained 2.5%. Julius Baer, Tecan Group, Lindt & Spruengli, Straumann Holding, Barry Callebaut, Ems Chemie Holding, Schindler Ps, Swatch Group and Schindler Holding ended higher by 1.3 to 2%.

BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - European stocks closed higher on Friday, and most of the major markets in the region posted strong weekly gains, after data showed a bigger than expected addition in U.S. non-farm payroll employment, and a drop in the unemployment rate.

Data showing a notable drop in Germany's consumer price inflation in the month of November contributed as well to the positive mood in the European markets.

The pan European Stoxx 600 climbed 0.74%. The U.K.'s FTSE 100 advanced 0.57%, Germany's DAX gained 0.78% and France's CAC 40 surged 1.32%, while Switzerland's SMI ended stronger by 1.07%.

Among other markets in Europe, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Sweden ended higher.

Greece and Russia edged up marginally, while Iceland, Ireland and Turkey closed weak.

Oil stocks gained after calls from Saudi Arabia and Russia for OPEC+ members to joint output cuts.

In the UK market, Antofagasta rallied more than 4.5%. IHG, Ashtead Group, Burberry, Barclays, Halma, Croda International, Carnival, TUI, Diageo, Kingfisher, RightMove, Flutter Entertainment, BP and Melrose Industries gained 2 to 3.5%.

Ferguson, Phoenix Holdings, Informa, BAE Systems, Whitbread, Lloyds Banking, St. James's Place, Smith & Nephew, J Sainsbury, Schrodders and Experian also ended sharply higher.

Anglo American Plc tanked more than 17% after it announced plans to slash production in a bid to cut costs.

Berkeley Holdings ended down 3.6% after it flagged persisting housing demand woes. Imperial Brands, BT, Hiscox and Segro lost 1 to 2%.

In the German market, Sartorius, Zalando, Fresenius Medical Care and BMW climbed 3 to 3.6%.

Infineion and Deutsche Bank gained about 2.2% and 2.1%, respectively. Volkswagen, Deutsche Post, Siemens Healthineers, Adidas, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Symrise and HeidelbergCement also ended notably higher.

Siemens Energy ended down 2%. Vonovia drifted down by about 1.4%, and Merck shed 0.8%.

In Paris, LVMH gained nearly 4%. Kering, Thales and Legrand climbed 2.5 to 3.4%. Airbus Group gained 2.5% following a rating upgrade by Deutsche Bank.

TotalEnergies, Hermes International, Schneider Electric, Saint-Gobain, Societe Generale, Credit Agricole, Pernod Ricard, STMicroElectronics and Sanofi gained 1.3 to 2%.

Vivendi shares rallied 2.7%. The media conglomerate is set to replace digital payment group Worldline on the CAC 40 index, effective from Dec. 18.

Final data from Destatis showed Germany's consumer price inflation eased to the lowest level in nearly two and a half years in November, as estimated. The consumer price index registered an annual increase of 3.2% in November, following a 3.8% rise in October.

A survey report compiled by S&P Global showed UK employers reduced recruitment in November amid weaker economic outlook. The report said permanent staff appointments declined at the second-fastest paace since June 2020, and temporary billings declined after two months of expansion.

Data from the Labor Department said non-farm payroll employment in the U.S. jumped by 199,000 jobs in November after rising by 150,000 jobs in October. Economists had expected employment to climb by 180,000 jobs.

The Labor Department also said the unemployment rate dipped to 3.7% in November from 3.9% in October. The unemployment rate was expected to remain unchanged.

WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Stocks moved to the downside at the start of trading on Friday but have shown a notable turnaround over the course of the morning. The major averages have bounced well off their lows of the session and into positive territory.

The major averages have pulled back off their best levels in recent trading but are currently holding on to modest gains. The Dow is up 82.45 points or 0.2 percent at 36,199.83, the Nasdaq is up 38.62 points or 0.3 percent at 14,378.61 and the S&P 500 is up 10.73 points or 0.2 percent at 4,596.32.

The initial weakness on Wall Street came after the Labor Department released stronger than expected jobs data, partly offsetting recent optimism about the outlook for interest rates.

The closely watched report said non-farm payroll employment jumped by 199,000 jobs in November after rising by 150,000 jobs in October. Economists had expected employment to climb by 180,000 jobs.

The Labor Department also said the unemployment rate dipped to 3.7 percent in November from 3.9 percent in October. The unemployment rate was expected to remain unchanged.

Treasury yields jumped following the release of the report amid concerns strength in the labor market could lead the Federal Reserve to postpone cutting interest rates.

Selling pressure waned shortly after the start of trading, however, as traders remain optimistic the next move by the Fed will be a rate cut even if it comes later than hoped.

Stocks saw further upside after the University of Michigan released a report showing a pullback in consumers' inflation expectations in the month of December.

The report said year-ahead inflation expectations plunged to 3.1 percent in December from 4.5 percent in November, falling to their lowest level since March 2021.

Long-run inflation expectations also fell to 2.8 percent in December from 3.2 percent in November, matching the second lowest reading seen since July 2021.

Sector News

Energy stocks are seeing considerable strength on the day, as the price of crude oil rebounds from its lowest levels in over five months.

With crude for January delivery surging $1.87 to $71.21 a barrel, the Philadelphia Oil Service Index is up by 2.3 percent and the NYSE Arca Oil Index is up by 1.5 percent.

Significant strength is also visible among computer hardware stocks, as reflected by the 1.4 percent gain being posted by the NYSE Arca Computer Hardware Index.

Banking, networking and semiconductor stocks are also seeing notable strength, while interest rate-sensitive utilities stocks have moved to the downside.

Other Markets

Meanwhile, the major European markets have all moved to the upside on the day. While the French CAC 40 Index has surged by 1.4 percent, the U.K.'s FTSE 100 Index is up by 0.9 percent and the German DAX Index is up by 0.7 percent.

In the bond market, treasuries have climbed well off their worst levels of the day but remain in negative territory. Subsequently, the yield on the benchmark ten-year note, which moves opposite of its price, is up by 9.3 basis points at 4.222 percent.

WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Stocks may move to the downside in early trading on Friday, giving back ground after ending the previous session mostly higher. The major index futures are currently pointing to a lower open for the markets, with the S&P 500 futures down by 0.4 percent.

The futures came under pressure following the release of a highly anticipated Labor Department report showing employment in the U.S. increased by more than expected in the month of November.

The report said non-farm payroll employment jumped by 199,000 jobs in November after rising by 150,000 jobs in October. Economists had expected employment to climb by 180,000 jobs.

The Labor Department also said the unemployment rate dipped to 3.7 percent in November from 3.9 percent in October. The unemployment rate was expected to remain unchanged.

Treasury yields have jumped following the release of the report, as the data has partly offset recent optimism that the Federal Reserve could pivot toward interest rate cuts as soon as March 2024.

Shortly after the start of trading, the University of Michigan is scheduled to release its preliminary report on consumer sentiment in the month of December.

While the consumer sentiment index is expected to inch up to 62.0 in December after falling to 61.3 in November, traders may pay closer attention to the report's readings on inflation expectations.

After moving mostly higher early in the session, stocks continued to turn in a strong performance throughout much of the trading day on Thursday. The major averages moved back to the upside following the downturn seen on Wednesday, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq leading the rebound.

The Nasdaq surged 193.28 points or 1.4 percent to 14,339.99, reaching its best closing level in over four months. The S&P 500 also advanced 36.25 points or 0.8 percent to 4,585.59, while the narrower Dow posted a more modest gain, edging up 62.95 points or 0.2 percent to 36,117.38.

Meanwhile, the major European markets have all moved to the upside on the day. While the French CAC 40 Index has advanced by 0.6 percent, the German DAX Index and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 Index are both up by 0.2 percent.

In commodities trading, crude oil futures are jumping $1.43 to $70.77 a barrel after edging down $0.04 to $69.34 a barrel on Thursday. Meanwhile, after slipping $1.50 to $2,046.40 an ounce in the previous session, gold futures are falling $15.20 to $2,031.20 an ounce.

On the currency front, the U.S. dollar is trading at 144.25 yen versus the 144.13 yen it fetched at the close of New York trading on Thursday. Against the euro, the dollar is valued at $1.0759 compared to yesterday's $1.0794.

BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - The monthly jobs report might be the highlight of Friday's economic announcements. The Consumer Sentiment for December also might get attention.

Early trends on the U.S. Futures Index suggest that Wall Street might open lower.

Asian shares finished mostly up, while European shares are trading higher.

As of 6.50 am ET, the Dow futures were down 16.00 points, the S&P 500 futures were declining 3.50 points and the Nasdaq 100 futures were sliding 33.75 points.

The U.S. major averages finished higher on Thursday. The Nasdaq jumped 193.28 points or 1.4 percent to 14,339.99, reaching its best closing level in over four months. The S&P 500 also advanced 36.25 points or 0.8 percent to 4,585.59, while the narrower Dow posted a more modest gain, edging up 62.95 points or 0.2 percent to 36,117.38.

On the economic front, the Employment Situation for November will be released at 8.30 am ET. The non-farm payrolls consensus is 180,000, while it was up 150,000. The unemployment rate is expected to increase 3.9 percent, while it was up 3.9 percent in October. The consensus for private payrolls is 150,000, while it was up 99,000 in the previous month. The Manufacturing payroll is projected to increase by 35000, while it was down 35,000.

The Consumer Sentiment for December will be published at 10.00 am ET. The consensus is up 61.9, while in November it was up 61.3 percent.

The Baker Hughes Rig Count for the week will be released at 1.00 pm ET. In the prior week, the North America rig count was 817 and the U.S. rig count was 625.

Asian stocks ended Friday's session. Chinese shares edged up.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite index edged up 0.11 percent to 2,969.56 while Hong Kong's Hang Seng index ended marginally lower at 16,334.37 after a choppy session.

Japanese shares fell for a second straight session. Japan's third-quarter GDP was revised downward in a surprise move.

The Nikkei average fell 1.68 percent to 32,307.86, dragged down by exporters such as automakers. The broader Topix index settled 1.50 percent lower at 2,324.47.

Australian markets eked out modest gains. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 inched up 0.30 percent to 7,194.90 while the broader All Ordinaries index closed up 0.28 percent at 7,405.60.

European shares are trading positive. Among the major indexes in the region, the CAC 40 Index of France is progressing 61.16 points or 0.82 percent. The German DAX is adding 45.74 points or 0.27 percent, the U.K. FTSE 100 Index is gaining 26.32 points or 0.35 percent.

The Swiss Market Index is climbing 35.11 points or 0.32 percent.

The Euro Stoxx 50 Index, which is a compilation of 50 blue chip stocks across the euro area, is up 0.57 percent.

BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - European stocks were modestly higher on Friday as investors assessed the latest inflation data from Germany and awaited key U.S. employment report later in the day to confirm bets that the Federal Reserve is at peak rates.

According to the final estimate, Germany's consumer price inflation (CPI) fell to its lowest in 29 months in November, matching provisional estimates released last week.

CPI fell to an annual 3.2 percent last month from 3.8 percent in October, bolstering the case for a peak in eurozone interest rates.

The pan European STOXX 600 was up 0.4 percent at 470.81 after declining 0.3 percent on Thursday.

The German DAX rose 0.3 percent, France's CAC 40 jumped 0.8 percent and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 was up half a percent.

Oil & gas giant BP Plc rose 1.3 percent and peer Shell added 0.8 percent in London as oil prices jumped around 2 percent in Asian trade after calls from Saudi Arabia and Russia for OPEC+ members to join output cuts.

Miner Anglo American plunged 5 percent after it announced plans to slash production in a bid to cut costs.

Monks Investment Trust gained 1 percent after reporting narrower loss in first half of the year.

Fintech company IG Group rallied 2 percent as it announced the appointment of Breon Corcoran as its new chief executive officer, effective January 29, 2024.

Berkeley Group Holdings fell 2.2 percent after it flagged persisting housing demand woes.

Vivendi shares rallied 2.7 percent in Paris. The media conglomerate is set to replace digital payment group Worldline on the CAC 40 index, effective from Dec. 18. Shares of the latter were up 0.7 percent.

BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - U.K. stocks rose on Friday as energy stocks rallied, offsetting losses in the mining sector.

The benchmark FTSE 100 was up 31 points, or 0.4 percent, at 7,545 after finishing marginally lower in the previous session.

BP Plc rose 1.3 percent and peer Shell added 0.8 percent as oil prices jumped around 2 percent in Asian trade after calls from Saudi Arabia and Russia for OPEC+ members to join output cuts.

Miner Anglo American plunged 5 percent after it announced plans to slash production in a bid to cut costs.

Monks Investment Trust gained 1 percent after reporting narrower loss in first half of the year.

Fintech company IG Group rallied 2 percent as it announced the appointment of Breon Corcoran as its new chief executive officer, effective January 29, 2024.

Berkeley Group Holdings fell 2.2 percent after it flagged persisting housing demand woes.

BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - French stocks traded higher on Friday as investors awaited the all-important U.S. non-farm payrolls report, due out later in the day for clues on the Federal Reserve's monetary policy outlook.

Economists currently expect U.S. employment to increase by 180,000 jobs in November after an increase of 150,000 jobs in October. The unemployment rate is expected to hold at 3.9 percent.

A report on U.S. consumer sentiment for December may also attract attention, as it includes readings on inflation expectations.

The benchmark CAC 40 was up 47 points, or 0.6 percent, at 7,475 after closing 0.1 percent lower on Thursday.

Vivendi shares rallied 2.4 percent. The media conglomerate is set to replace digital payment group Worldline on the CAC 40 index, effective from Dec. 18. Shares of the latter were up 1 percent.

WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Veradigm Inc. (MDRX), a healthcare technology company, on Friday said the Board has asked its Chief Executive Officer Richard Poulton, and Chief Financial Officer Leah Jones to resign following Audit Committee's independent investigation about its financial reporting and possible impacts on its previous reports.

Previously, the healthcare company had received a notice from Nasdaq indicating that it was non-compliant with Nasdaq Listing Rule as it failed to file annual report for the year ended December 31, 2022, quarterly report for the period ended March 31, 2023 among others.

The current chairman Greg Garrison has been appointed as the executive chairman and present director Shih-Yin Ho, has been named the interim chief executive officer of the company.

Additionally, Lee Westerfield who has more than 25 years of experience and is the current finance chief at Clearsense will serve as the interim chief financial officer.

The company has initiated a search for a permanent CEO and CFO.

Meanwhile the new leadership team is reviewing the financial guidance for fiscal 2023 issued on September 18.

Currently, Veradigm shares are trading at $10.81 down 14.10% on the Nasdaq.

WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (RIGL) and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center announced a multi-year strategic development collaboration to expand the evaluation of REZLIDHIA in acute myeloid leukemia and other hematologic cancers. Rigel and MD Anderson will evaluate the potential of olutasidenib to treat newly diagnosed and relapsed or refractory patients with acute myeloid leukemia, higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes, and advanced myeloproliferative neoplasms, in combination with other agents. The collaboration will support the evaluation of olutasidenib as monotherapy in lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes and as maintenance therapy in post-hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients.

Rigel and MD Anderson will jointly lead all clinical development efforts. Rigel will provide $15 million in time-based milestone payments and study material over the five-year collaboration.

For More Such Health News, visit rttnews.com.

MORRISTOWN (dpa-AFX) - Carrier Global Corporation (CARR) said on Friday that it has inked a deal to sell its Global Access Solutions business to Honeywell International Inc. (HON) for $4.95 billion.

Following the news, CARR was trading up by 4.92 percent at $55.49 per share in the pre-market trade on the New York Stock Exchange.

The seller expects net proceeds of around $4 billion from the transaction and intends to use the same to pay down debt.

The deal is anticipated to be closed before the end of the third-quarter of 2024.

David Gitlin, CEO of Carrier, said: 'The transaction, together with the planned exits of our Industrial Fire, Residential and Commercial Fire, and Commercial Refrigeration cabinet businesses, will accelerate our growth strategy and focus, positioning Carrier to deliver higher growth and superior shareholder value and further reinforcing our track record of performing while transforming.'

Global Access Solutions is a provider of advanced access and security solutions, electronic locking systems, and contactless mobile key solutions.

OTTAWA (dpa-AFX) - The following are some of the stocks making big moves in Friday's pre-market trading (as of 06.40 A.M. ET).

In the Green

MBIA Inc. (MBI) is up over 57% at $11.63.

FLJ Group Limited (FLJ) is up over 49% at $2.96.

BIOLASE, Inc. (BIOL) is up over 13% at $1.35.

Eneti Inc. (NETI) is up over 9% at $10.75.

Genfit S.A. (GNFT) is up over 9% at $3.50.

Hello Group Inc. (MOMO) is up over 8% at $7.12.

SELLAS Life Sciences Group, Inc. (SLS) is up over 8% at $1.10.

Clean Earth Acquisitions Corp. (CLIN) is up over 6% at $5.32.

Tivic Health Systems, Inc. (TIVC) is up over 6% at $2.18.

Lilium N.V. (LILM) is up over 6% at $1.40.

Smart for Life, Inc. (SMFL) is up over 6% at $1.17.

enGene Holdings Inc. (ENGN) is up over 5% at $7.79.

Altimmune, Inc. (ALT) is up over 5% at $6.93.

Grom Social Enterprises, Inc. (GROM) is up over 5% at $1.07.

In the Red

HashiCorp, Inc. (HCP) is down over 24% at $18.90.

Avid Bioservices, Inc. (CDMO) is down over 19% at $4.25.

Golden Heaven Group Holdings Ltd. (GDHG) is down over 18% at $1.89.

Save Foods, Inc. (SVFD) is down over 15% at $2.58.

Solid Biosciences Inc. (SLDB) is down over 13% at $4.97.

Mustang Bio, Inc. (MBIO) is down over 10% at $1.39.

Gates Industrial Corporation plc (GTES) is down over 8% at $11.26.

Altisource Asset Management Corporation (AAMC) is down over 8% at $4.77.

iBio, Inc. (IBIO) is down over 8% at $1.34.

Mural Oncology plc (MURA) is down over 7% at $3.58.

G1 Therapeutics, Inc. (GTHX) is down over 7% at $2.95.

View, Inc. (VIEW) is down over 7% at $1.28.

Fenbo Holdings Limited (FEBO) is down over 5% at $4.67.

TAIPEI (dpa-AFX) - ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. (IMOS), a Taiwanese semiconductor company, Thursday reported higher revenue for November than the same period last year.

Revenue surged 20.3 percent to $59.9 million for the month, from $49.8 million last year.

Sequentially, however, revenue declined 4.9 percent to $59.9 million from $63 million in October.

The company said while it continues to be impacted by broader market softness, it is concurrently benefitting from improved inventory stabilization and demand recovery in certain markets, including its memory products.

ChipMOS shares closed at 42.45 TWD, up 1.68% in Taiwan today.

LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Berkeley Group Holdings plc (BKG.L), a residential construction company, on Friday reported higher profit before tax for the second half of the year. However, revenue stayed flat.

Further, the company extended its earning guidance by a year till the period ending September 30, 2026.

Profit before tax for the year increased 4.6 percent to 298 million pounds from 284.8 million pounds of last year.

After tax, earnings decreased to 211.5 million pounds or 196.7 pence per share from 221.7 million pounds or 197.9 pence per share in the prior year.

Revenue declined slightly by 0.7 percent to 1.192 billion pounds from 1.2 billion pounds for the same period prior year.

The company is now targeting a pre-tax profit of 1.5 billion pounds across fiscal 2024, 25 and 26. Previously, it was targeting a pre-tax profit of 1.05 billion pounds across two years, ending April 30, 2025.

On Thursday, Berkeley shares closed at 4940 pence, up 1.42% on the London Stock Exchange.

LONDON (dpa-AFX) - The Monks Investment Trust PLC (MNKS.L) Friday said its return before tax for the first half was a loss of 89.45 million pounds, lower than 157.23 million pounds loss in the comparable period last year, helped by decline in loss on investments.

Loss on investment was 96.18 million pounds for the latest six-month period compared with 164.11 million pounds in the previous year.

Net loss narrowed to 91.23 million pounds or 39.97p per share from 158.28 million pounds or 71.03p per share a year ago.

Net asset value per share as on October 31, 2023 was 1,017.2p, down from 1,058.5p as on April 30, 2023.

LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Fintech company, IG Group Holdings plc (IGG.L), Friday announced appointment of Breon Corcoran as its new chief executive officer, effective January 29, 2024.

June Felix, the former CEO, had to step down in August due to health reasons.

Currently, Breon works as a non-executive Chair of Auction Technology Group.

Charlie Rozes will continue as Interim CEO and Group CFO until Breon joins, after which he will serve as Group CFO, the company said in a statement.

On Thursday, IG's stock closed at 706.50 pence, up 1.15% on the London Stock Exchange.

WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Crown Castle Inc. (CCI) said that Jay Brown has decided to retire as its President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the company, effective January 16, 2024.

The company said it has appointed Anthony Melone, a member of Crown Castle's Board, to begin serving as interim CEO at that time. The Board will conduct a search process to identify a permanent CEO.

Earlier today, Elliott Investment Management L.P., which manages funds that collectively have an investment of approximately $2 billion in Crown Castle Inc., reiterated the need for a review of the Fiber Business, a change in Chief Executive Officer, and a reconstitution of Crown Castle's Board.

WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Edwards Lifesciences Corp. (EW) said it intends to complete a spin-off of Critical Care at the end of 2024. It reaffirmed its 2023 financial guidance and provided guidance for 2024. The company's board approved $1 billion of additional share repurchase authorization.

The company noted that the planned separation of Critical Care unit will enable sharpened focus as the company pursues expanded opportunities for TAVR, TMTT and Surgical patients, as well as new investments in interventional heart failure technologies. Katie Szyman, Corporate Vice President of Critical Care since 2015, will be Chief Executive Officer of the new company upon completion of the transaction.

The company expects 2024 adjusted earnings per share to be in the range of $2.70 - $2.80. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expects the company to report earnings of $2.80 per share for fiscal year 2024. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

The company projects 2024 global sales of $6.3 billion - $6.6 billion, representing a constant currency growth of 8% - 10%. Analysts expect revenue of $6.51 billion for the fiscal year 2024.

JAKARTA (dpa-AFX) - Japan will on Monday release November numbers for money stock, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. The M2 money stock is expected to rise 2.5 percent on year, up from 2.4 percent in October.

Malaysia will see October figures for industrial production, with forecasts suggesting an increase of 2.4 percent on year following the 0.5 percent decline in September.

Indonesia will provide October data for retail sales; in September, sales were up 1.5 percent on year.

Finally, the markets in Thailand are closed on Monday for Constitution Day and will re-open on Tuesday.

WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - A report released by the University of Michigan on Friday showed a significantly bigger than expected improvement in U.S. consumer sentiment in the month of December.

The University of Michigan said its consumer sentiment index surged to 69.4 in December from 61.3 in November. Economists had expected the index to inch up to 62.0.

'Consumer sentiment soared 13% in December, erasing all declines from the previous four months, primarily on the basis of improvements in the expected trajectory of inflation,' said Surveys of Consumers Director Joanne Hsu.

She added, 'Sentiment is now about 39% above the all-time low measured in June of 2022 but still well below pre-pandemic levels.'

The jump by the headline index came as current economic conditions index shot up to 74.0 in December from 68.3 in November, while the index of consumer expectations spiked to 66.4 from 56.8.

The report also showed a sharp pullback in year-ahead inflation expectations, which plunged to 3.1 percent in December from 4.5 percent in November.

Year-ahead inflation expectations are now at their lowest level since March 2021 and sit just above the 2.3-3.0 percent range seen in the two years prior to the pandemic.

Long-run inflation expectations also fell to 2.8 percent in December from 3.2 percent in November, matching the second lowest reading seen since July 2021.

STOCKHOLM (dpa-AFX) - Sweden's economy expanded in October after contracting in the previous two months, driven by strong net exports, data from Statistics Sweden showed on Friday.

Separate official data showed that industrial production decreased at the start of the final quarter.

Gross domestic product advanced 1.2 percent month-on-month in October, reversing a 0.5 percent fall in September.

'The largest contribution to the uptick came from strong figures for net exports concerning goods, with smaller increases in some other aggregates such as consumption among households and the general government,' Melker Loberg, economist at Statistics Sweden, said.

On a yearly basis, GDP rose 0.2 percent in October, reversing a 3.2 percent decline in the previous month.

Another report showed that industrial production fell 1.1 percent annually in October after remaining flat in the prior month.

Production in services contracted 2.4 percent from last year, while the output produced in the utility sector grew by 3.6 percent.

Data showed that construction output fell 4.6 percent annually in October, slower than the 9.6 percent plunge a month ago.

WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Employment in the U.S. increased by more than expected in the month of November, according to a highly anticipated report released by the Labor Department on Friday.

The report said non-farm payroll employment jumped by 199,000 jobs in November after rising by 150,000 jobs in October. Economists had expected employment to climb by 180,000 jobs.

The stronger than expected job growth partly reflected a notable increase in employment in the health care and social assistance sector, which added 93,200 jobs.

Employment in the manufacturing sector also rebounded, reflecting the return of workers from a strike, while employment in the retail sector declined.

The Labor Department also said the unemployment rate dipped to 3.7 percent in November from 3.9 percent in October. The unemployment rate was expected to remain unchanged.

The unexpected decrease by the unemployment rate came as the household survey measure of employment spiked by 747,000 persons, outpacing a 532,000 person surge in the size of the labor force.

The report also said average hourly employee earnings rose by $0.12 or 0.4 percent to $34.10 in November.

The annual rate of wage growth came in at 4.0 percent in November, unchanged from the downwardly revised level in October.

Economists had expected the pace of wage growth to edge down to 4.0 percent from the 4.1 percent originally reported for the previous month.

'Interest rates jumped in response to this report, as job market strength may be enough to keep the Fed cautious with respect to any comments regarding the path for rates at their December meeting,' said Mortgage Bankers Association SVP and Chief Economist Mike Fratantoni.

'Inflation is declining, but further declines are likely dependent upon some slowing in the job market,' he added. 'We continue to forecast that the Fed will begin to cut rates in the spring of 2024, as job market trends are likely to weaken from here.'

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