The S&P 500 has reached its 57th record high closing price in 2024, marking the fifth most record high closes in a calendar year since 1929. The index is up 29.3% year-to-date, ranking as the ninth highest annual return in its history, and closed at 6,090 points. Additionally, the Nasdaq Composite has also achieved a significant weekly gain, rising by 3.3% to 19,859. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, however, saw a slight decline of 0.6%, closing at 34,721.21. U.S. labor market data shows mixed signals, with higher-than-expected job creation but an increase in the unemployment rate to 4.2% and a decline in labor force participation. This has led to speculation that the Federal Reserve may cut interest rates further to maintain economic momentum. Analysts suggest that the November jobs report presents a favorable scenario for financial markets, balancing economic growth with monetary easing.