Investing.com – Top 5 things that rocked U.S. markets this week.
U.S. jobs data topped estimates
The Labor Department's non-farm payrolls report showed employers added 235,000 jobs last month, beating expectations of a 200,000 increase.
Oil prices suffered worst one-day decline in 13 months
On Wednesday U.S. crude futures plunged 5.4% to $50.28 a barrel, their worst one-day decline in 13 months.
Draghi struck a hawkish tone
The European Central Bank (ECB) left rates and Asset purchases unchanged and dropped its pledge to use “all the instruments at its disposal” to stimulate growth and inflation. European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said “there is no longer that sense of urgency” for the ECB to use ultra-loose monetary policy to achieve its mandates.
Gold dipped below $1200
Gold dipped below $1,200 an ounce on Thursday for the first time since Jan 31, as investors widely expect the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates at its meeting on March 14-15.
Euro hit a 3-week high against the dollar
The euro hit a three-week high against the dollar on Friday after a report surfaced that the European Central Bank had discussed the possibility of raising interest rates before the end of its quantitative easing programme.