Daily Market Snapshot: September 29, 2026

Brought to you by your local Edward Jones financial advisors. Tuesday 9/29/2026 a.m. Stocks open little changed as rates continue to edge higher – U.S. equity markets are opening near the flatline on Tuesday, with rising bond yields remaining in focus as the 10-year Treasury yield edges higher to 5.26%. On the economic front, the August JOLTS report, due later this morning, will provide an update on labor demand, while the Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index will offer insight into how consumers are feeling amid the recent rise in interest rates and oil prices. From a leadership standpoint, most sectors are opening flat to lower, with industrials outperforming in early trading. Overseas, Asian markets traded mostly lower overnight, while European markets are opening mostly higher. Economy and equity markets showing resilience amid higher rates – Bond yields are edging higher again this morning and have moved sharply higher over the past month, with the 10-year Treasury yield holding near 5.26%. Higher borrowing costs could weigh on the economy by making business investments less attractive. Projects involving new equipment, technology or expansion become more expensive to finance, potentially leading some companies to delay or scale back their plans. However, businesses appear to be absorbing higher rates well for now. September's S&P Global Flash U.S. Composite PMI pointed to continued economic expansion, while corporate investment has remained healthy and S&P 500 earnings are on pace to grow by more than 30% this year. Resilient economic activity and robust profit growth have been key pillars of support for stocks, with the S&P 500 up over 12% through yesterday's close, despite pockets of volatility more recently. For fixed-income investors, the move higher in yields has weighed on returns this year, with U.S. investment-grade bonds down roughly 2.8%. While we expect resilient economic data, uncertainty around inflation, elevated bond supply, and ongoing fiscal concerns to keep longer-term yields elevated in the near term, the move higher in bond yields improves the outlook for longer-term bond returns, in our view. Labor-market data in focus – A busy week of labor-market data kicks off later this morning with the release of the August JOLTS report. Economists expect job openings to hold steady near 7.2 million, which would represent little change from the prior month and be roughly in line with the two-year monthly average of 7.16 million. While job openings have declined meaningfully from their post-pandemic highs, they are now roughly equal to the number of unemployed workers, signaling more balanced labor-market conditions, in our view. Looking ahead, Friday's payrolls report will be the highlight of the week. Nonfarm payrolls are expected to increase by roughly 95,000 in September, while the unemployment rate is expected to hold steady at 4.1%. Along with Wednesday's personal consumption expenditures (PCE) inflation report and the September inflation data due in mid-October, we expect that this week's releases will be important in shaping the outlook for Fed policy after the Federal Reserve delivered its first interest-rate hike since 2023 earlier this month. Markets are currently pricing in a roughly 70% probability of another rate hike at the Fed's October meeting. Important information: This is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as specific investment advice. Investors should make investment decisions based on their unique investment objectives and financial situation. While the information is believed to be accurate, it is not guaranteed and is subject to change without notice. Investors should understand the risks involved in owning investments, including interest rate risk, credit risk and market risk. The value of investments fluctuates and investors can lose some or all of their principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Market indexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly and are not meant to depict an actual investment. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss. Systematic investing does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss. Investors should consider their willingness to keep investing when share prices are declining. Dividends may be increased, decreased or eliminated at any time without notice.