Here are five key insights investors should consider as they gear up for Friday’s stock market opening:
1. **Can We Talk?**
2. **Jobs Data on the Horizon**
Recruiters engaging talent at the Global Assistance booth during the Mega JobNewsUSA South Florida Job Fair at Amerant Bank Arena on April 30, 2025, in Sunrise, Florida.
Joe Raedle | Getty Images
**Friday is dedicated to jobs data!** The Labor Department is set to release its report on nonfarm payrolls for April. The expectation was for an increase of 133,000 jobs, but the report is projected to show **177,000 new roles**, a figure that defies Wall Street’s predictions! Moreover, the **national unemployment rate remains steady at 4.2%**, reflecting a robust labor market.
3. **Off Their A Game**
An Amazon delivery alongside an Apple store in bustling New York City.
Mike Segar | Kylie Copper | Reuters
4. **Request for Relief**
President Donald Trump addressing attendees during the National Day of Prayer in the Rose Garden at the White House on May 1, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
Andrew Harnik | Getty Images News | Getty Images
The latest demand for **tariff relief** comes from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In a letter obtained by CNBC, this influential business lobbying group has urged President Trump to establish a “**tariff exclusion process**” to protect the U.S. economy from a potential recession and to avert “irreparable harm” to small businesses. Chamber CEO Suzanne Clark noted a surge in requests for support from small enterprises, emphasizing the critical need for **immediate relief** versus lengthy judicial processes.
5. **On Your Marks!**
Brian Hernandez Jr. steers Thorpedo Anna to victory in the prestigious 150th Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs, marking the eve of the 150th Kentucky Derby.
Jabin Botsford | The Washington Post | Getty Images
The **151st Kentucky Derby** is just around the corner, and the CEO of renowned Churchill Downs asserts that interest is thriving despite global uncertainties. As businesses tighten their belts amid declining consumer confidence and potential tariff-induced price hikes, Churchill Downs remains optimistic. CEO Bill Carstanjen reveals that international interest in the event has never been stronger. The winner’s circle boasts a whopping **$3.1 million** prize from a total purse of **$5 million**, showing that for many affluent owners, these thoroughbreds represent **lifestyle assets** rather than mere money-makers.
– Contributions from CNBC’s Anniek Bao, Hakyung Kim, Jeff Cox, Annie Palmer, Kif Leswing, Jordan Novet, Jonathan Vanian, Megan Cassella, Kevin Breuninger, Contessa Brewer, Jess Golden, and Hayley Cuccinello.
