Stocks Ended Mostly Higher ahead of Key Jobs Data

U.S. stocks ended slightly higher on Thursday ahead of a key U.S. jobs report that could figure in the Federal Reserve’s decision about when to lift interest rates. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 23.38 points, or 0.14%, to 16,374.76. The S&P 500 was up 2.27 points, or 0.12%, to 1,951.13. The Nasdaq Composite was down 16.48 points, or 0.35%, to 4,733.50.

In calmer times the U.S. employment report due to be published on Friday would be the Federal Reserve’s best and last economic signal before it decides whether to raise interest rates later this month for the first time in nearly a decade.

The Institute for Supply Management said on Thursday its services index slipped in August but to a very strong reading indicating growth in the sector. The services index fell to 59% from 60.3% in July, on a scale where readings over 50% indicate improving conditions.

Samsung Electronics said on Thursday it would make its next smartwatch technology available to its competitors who also use Google Inc’s (GOOGL.O) mobile platform Android, hoping to increase its share of the market, which is now dominated by Apple Inc (AAPL.O).