US Equity Markets End Lower as Expectations Rise for Fed Rate Hike Amid Hot Jobs Data

04:18 PM EDT, 09/04/2026 (MT Newswires) -- US equity indexes ended lower Friday after expectations of an interest rate hike increased following an unexpected increase in non-farm payrolls. * Total nonfarm payrolls rose by 162,000 last month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said Friday, compared with a 55,000 increase projected in a Bloomberg-compiled survey. * The probability of the Fed raising its target rate by 25 basis points to 3.75% to 4.0% in September rose to 58% from 49% a day ago, according to the CME FedWatch tool. * October West Texas Intermediate crude oil rose $0.57 to settle at $91.58 per barrel, while November Brent crude, the global benchmark, was last seen up $0.07 at $95.70. * American Outdoor Brands (AOUT) shares were up roughly 45% after the company swung to a profit and posted higher revenue for fiscal Q1 late Thursday. * Lululemon Athletica (LULU) shares were down nearly 17%, the worst performer on the S&P 500, after the athletic apparel retailer lowered its full-year outlook amid challenging market dynamics and continued pressure on the brand.