Jobs and Earnings to Drive Markets in the First Full Week of May

U.S. markets will focus on jobs data and a busy earnings calendar in the first full week of May, with investors watching for signs of labor market strength and continued corporate resilience. Economists surveyed by FactSet expect April payrolls to rise by about 50,000, down from March’s stronger pace, while the unemployment rate is forecast to remain at 4.3%. The report could help shape views on economic momentum, especially after recent GDP data showed the economy expanded at a 2% annualized rate in the first quarter. The week also includes several closely watched company results, including Palantir, AMD, Disney, Uber, and Block. Alongside earnings, traders will monitor indicators such as ISM services, JOLTS job openings, ADP employment, productivity, and labor costs. Market attention may stay elevated as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq recently reached record highs and the seasonal "Sell in May" debate returns.