Dow Hits Record High Amid Strong US Jobs Report and Middle East Tensions

The US economy added more jobs than expected, boosting markets, while geopolitical risks in the Middle East drive oil prices higher.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged over 300 points to close at a record high of 42,352.75, buoyed by robust job growth in September.
US nonfarm payrolls increased by 254,000, surpassing economists' expectations, as the unemployment rate fell to 4.1%.
Investors scaled back expectations for a significant rate cut from the Federal Reserve, with a reduced likelihood of a 50-basis-point reduction.
Oil prices rose sharply due to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, with President Biden urging caution against striking Iranian oil facilities.
US ports on the East and Gulf coasts reopened after a prolonged work stoppage, though clearing the cargo backlog is expected to take time.