The Dow Falls as Robust Jobs Report Dampens Interest Rate Cut Optimism
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed lower on February 11, 2026, reversing early gains after a robust January jobs report prompted investors to reassess interest rate trajectories. This marked the index's first decline in four days amid heightened market volatility. The blue-chip index initially showed upward momentum in premarket trading, reaching a fresh record high. This anticipation preceded the release of the key January jobs report. However, upon the report's release, revealing stronger-than-expected job growth, market sentiment quickly reversed. Major indexes, including the Dow, ended the day lower, snapping a three-day winning streak. Why this matters now: The unexpected strength of the January jobs report suggests potential inflationary pressures, critically influencing the Federal Reserve's monetary policy outlook. Investors are now recalibrating expectations for future interest rate movements. This led to a dampening of initial market optimism...