Stocks Opened Lower after Strong Jobs Data

U.S. stocks fell at the open on Friday as investors digested a stronger-than-expected jobs report that saw bond yields continue their climb. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lately fell 228.26 points, or 0.87%, to 25,958.45. The S&P 500 lost 20.35 points, or 0.72%, to 2,801.63. The Nasdaq Composite dropped 47.20 points, or 0.64%, to 7,338.67.

Oil prices were lower Friday, as the market weighed rising U.S. crude output against more bullish factors such as increased compliance with OPEC-led production curbs. March West Texas Intermediate crude slipped 13 cents, or 0.2%, to $65.68 a barrel. April Brent fell 24 cents, or 0.3%, to $69.40 a barrel.

The U.S. economy created 200,000 jobs in the first month of 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The unemployment rate in January held steady at a 17-year low of 4.1% for the fourth straight month.