The Dow hit its 20th record close of 2026 above 52,900 after June payrolls added just 57,000 jobs, cooling rate-hike fears and driving a sector rotation.

US stocks opened higher July 2 after June nonfarm payrolls added just 57,000 jobs, well below forecasts, easing fears of Fed rate hikes.

U.S. stocks traded higher on Thursday, with the Dow gaining over 250 points. Consumer staples surged while communication services fell. The labor market cooled in June, with…