12:11 PM EST, 01/10/2025 (MT Newswires) -- All three major US stock indexes were down around midday Friday as traders assessed the stronger-than-expected jobs report.
The December 2024 employment report showed nonfarm payrolls rose by 256,000, higher than the 165,000 jobs increase expected in a survey compiled by Bloomberg.
The unemployment rate fell to 4.1% in December from 4.2% in November, compared with a 4.2% rate expected.
In corporate news, Mercury General ( MCY ) issued a preliminary assessment of the Southern California wildfires, anticipating losses to surpass its $150 million reinsurance retention level as evaluations continue. Mercury General ( MCY ) shares slipped more than 20%.
Constellation Brands ( STZ ) shares slid nearly 15% after it reported fiscal Q3 results that fell short of market expectations.
Walgreens Boots Alliance ( WBA ) shares advanced over 23% after it reported fiscal Q1 results that topped estimates.
Delta Air Lines ( DAL ) shares rose nearly 9%, after it reported higher Q4 non-GAAP earnings and total operating revenue, while the carrier expects full-year 2025 earnings growth of over 10%.
Warner Bros. Discovery ( WBD ) , Fox (FOX) and Walt Disney's ( DIS ) ESPN ( DIS ) said in a joint statement Friday they have decided not to move forward with their planned Venu sports streaming service. Shares of Warner Bros. Discovery ( WBD ) retreated 5%, Disney ( DIS ) fell 1% and Fox lost over 2%.
Constellation Energy ( CEG ) has agreed to acquire Calpine in a cash and stock transaction valued at about $16.4 billion. Constellation Energy ( CEG ) jumped 23%.
Price: 48.36, Change: -12.35, Percent Change: -20.34