US stock market today: US benchmark stock market indices, the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite, rallied after the opening bell on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, as investors focused on the more-than-expected January payroll data release and drop in unemployment numbers, according to the data collected from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
At 9:30 a.m. (IST) opening bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average index rose 0.11% to 50,243.15 points, while the S&P 500 index rose 0.50% to 6,976.48 points. The Nasdaq Composite opened 0.76% higher at 23,278.29 points on Wednesday.
What does January payroll data show?
US Bureau of Labor Statistics data released on 11 February 2026 showed that the nonfarm payroll data increased by 130,000 in the month of January 2026, compared to a Reuters poll of economists’ estimate of 70,000 jobs.
The data also showed that the unemployment rate in the US economy also dropped to 4.3%, compared to the industry expectations of 4.4% for the period ended January.
“Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 130,000 in January, and the unemployment rate changed little at 4.3%, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today,” according to the latest release.
(This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.)
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Disclaimer: This story is for educational purposes only. We advise investors to consult with certified experts before making any investment decisions, as market conditions can change rapidly and circumstances may vary.
