Dow Jones Surges 280 Points: Jobs Report, Powell Speech, and Salesforce's Earnings Boost Market
Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024 9:39 am ET
CRM --
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) surged 280 points on Wednesday, driven by a surprise jobs report, anticipation of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's speech, and strong earnings from Salesforce. The market rally was further bolstered by a positive economic outlook and robust corporate earnings.
The U.S. economy added 146,000 private payrolls in November, according to ADP, beating expectations of 128,000. This positive jobs report, coupled with an expected dovish speech from Powell, fueled investor optimism and sparked a rally in the Dow Jones. The index climbed 0.8%, with financials and technology sectors leading the charge.
Salesforce, a technology giant, contributed significantly to the market's bullish sentiment. The company reported strong third-quarter earnings, with revenue of $9.44 billion, surpassing analyst estimates of $9.35 billion. Earnings per share (EPS) were $1.58, topping expectations of $1.44. Salesforce's impressive results, driven by the success of its Agentforce AI suite, propelled the company's stock price up 13% in premarket trading.

Powell's upcoming speech at the New York Times DealBook Summit is expected to provide further clarity on the Fed's monetary policy. Investors are eager for insights into the Fed's plans for future rate adjustments, which could impact market sentiment and bond yields.
The broader market also participated in the rally, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite indices both rising. The S&P 500 climbed 0.8%, while the Nasdaq advanced 1.1%, reflecting investors' optimism about the market's trajectory.
Investor sentiment was further bolstered by Salesforce's strong earnings and the potential of its Agentforce AI suite, which drove a 30% increase in free cash flow. The company's improved fiscal 2025 outlook, with revenue guidance raised to $37.8 billion to $38 billion, also contributed to the market's bullish mood.
The Dow Jones' 280-point surge was a testament to the market's resilience and optimism, fueled by a combination of positive economic data, a dovish Fed, and robust corporate earnings. As investors await Powell's speech and monitor the market's reaction, they remain cautious yet optimistic about the ongoing bull market.