Markets mixed after Trump tests positive for COVID-19

Markets were mixed on Friday.

The S&P 500 fell 1.0 percent and the Nikkei 225 fell 0.7 percent but the STOXX Europe 600 rose 0.3 percent.

Markets were weighed down by news that US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump had tested positive for COVID-19.

Investors were probably also disappointed by the US September employment report, which showed a gain of 661,000 jobs, the smallest since businesses reopened after lockdowns earlier this year.

“Job growth is moderating just as fiscal aid is expiring – a toxic cocktail,” wrote Oxford Economics economist Kathy Bostjancic in a note. “Despite relatively strong growth since May, employment remains a staggering 10.7 million below the pre-Covid level.”