Traders Digesting Closely Watched Monthly Jobs Data

By Investors Hub

technology stocks showed a significant move to the upside over the course of the session, driving the NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index up by 1.5 percent.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN) posted a standout gain after the biotech company reported second quarter results that exceeded analyst estimates on both the top and bottom lines.

Considerable strength also emerged among retail stocks, as reflected by the 1.4 percent gain posted by the Dow Jones Retail Index.

Tobacco, computer hardware, and telecom stocks also moved notably higher, while steel stocks moved sharply lower amid concerns about the impact of the trade dispute between the U.S. and China.

Within the steel sector, U.S. Steel (X) posted a particularly steep loss despite reporting better than expected second quarter results.