---
title: "Traders Eye Jobs Report as US Equity Futures Slip Pre-Bell"
type: "News"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/278111166.md"
description: "US equity futures fell pre-bell on Friday, with Dow Jones down 0.7%, S&P 500 down 0.7%, and Nasdaq down 0.9%, as traders awaited the monthly jobs report. The February report is expected to show a 55,000 increase in nonfarm payrolls, with the unemployment rate steady at 4.3%. Oil prices rose, with Brent crude up 3.3% and WTI crude up 5.4%. The ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran has led to the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, impacting global shipping."
datetime: "2026-03-06T13:21:00.000Z"
locales:
  - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/278111166.md)
  - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/278111166.md)
  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/278111166.md)
---

# Traders Eye Jobs Report as US Equity Futures Slip Pre-Bell

08:21 AM EST, 03/06/2026 (MT Newswires) -- US equity futures were lower pre-bell Friday as traders looked ahead to the crucial monthly jobs report.

Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were down 0.7%, S&P 500 futures were 0.7% lower, and Nasdaq futures were down 0.9%.

The conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran entered its seventh day on Friday, with Tehran effectively shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping chokepoint.

Oil prices were higher, with front-month global benchmark North Sea Brent crude up 3.3% at $88.27 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate crude 5.4% higher at $85.42 per barrel.

The February jobs report, scheduled for release at 8:30 am ET, is expected to show a 55,000 increase in nonfarm payrolls following a 130,000 rise in the prior month. The unemployment rate is projected to hold steady at 4.3%. Meanwhile, retail sales are expected to decline 0.3% for January, according to estimates compiled by Bloomberg.

MT Newswires does not provide investment advice. Unauthorized reproduction is strictly prohibited.

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