Markets Fall as Job Openings Rise and Inflation Concerns Persist

U.S. stocks retreat while investors assess labor data, inflation risks, and Federal Reserve rate expectations.

The S&P 500 dropped 0.4% and the Nasdaq fell 1.1%, while the Dow Jones rose 0.2%, reflecting mixed market reactions to economic data.
November's job openings increased to 8.1 million, surpassing expectations and signaling continued labor market resilience.
The Institute for Supply Management's services index rose to 54.1 in December, but a sharp rise in service sector prices raised inflation concerns.
Federal Reserve officials indicate a cautious approach to rate cuts, with traders pushing back expectations for the next reduction to mid-2025.
Nvidia stock declined over 5% despite unveiling new AI-focused products at CES, while other chipmakers like Micron saw gains.