admingains in retail trade,
construction and healthcare, after increasing a revised-up number of 196 000 in
December, the US Labour Department reported.
Unemployment rate in January was essentially unchanged at 7,9 percent, slightly higher than December’s 7,8 percent, the department said. Analysts expected the figure to drop to 7,7 percent.
In Washington, the US Senate gave final approval to a short-term postponement of the US federal government’s debt ceiling until May 19.
The Republican-led House of Representatives passed the Bill on January 23 and the White House has said President Barack Obama would sign it.
During the previous trading day, Wall Street wrapped up January on a strong note with the Dow up 6 percent and the S&P 500 up 5 percent.
That marked the best monthly gain since October 2011 and the best January since 1994 and 1997 respectively.
Before the opening bell last Friday, Exxon Mobil reported its fourth-quarter earnings.
The oil giant’s profit rose 6 percent to US$9,95 billion or US$2,20 per share, on revenues of US$155,17 billion.
Earlier this month, Exxon Mobil reclaimed the crown of the most valuable listed company from tech giant Apple after it lost the title about a year ago.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 85,85, or 0,62 percent, to 13 946,43.
The S&P 500 Index gained 8,22, or 0,55 percent, to 1 506,33.
The Nasdaq Composite Index jumped 20,32, or 0,65 percent, to 3 162,45. – Xinhua.
Online Reporter