Today’s jobs report is a key event. The Labor Department is expected to report that the U.S. economy added 83,000 jobs in July, up from 57,000 in June and slightly below the 92,000 average for the first half of the year. The unemployment rate is projected to stay at 4.2%.

Investors are watching the report for clues on the Federal Reserve’s next move. CME Group data show a 55 % probability of a quarter‑point rate hike. Ahead of the release at 8:30 a.m. ET, U.S. stock futures tick higher while Treasury yields remain flat and gold climbs.

Oil prices are easing modestly, with Brent crude futures hovering near $83 a barrel. Traders are also keeping an eye on the Iran‑Oman talks about traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, which could influence supply dynamics.

Overall, the market remains poised for the report’s outcome, balancing expectations of steady employment growth against the potential for tighter monetary policy. The data will help shape investor sentiment for the coming weeks.