U.S. Payrolls Drive Expectation for Higher Open; Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500 Watched

Global markets eyed a higher open on February 15, 2026, following the U.S. Department of Labor's report showing 245,000 nonfarm payrolls, exceeding a widely expected 230,000. The unemployment rate held at 3.5%, a level consistent with tight labor markets. Strong labor data typically提振s inflation expectations and supports the Federal Reserve's hawkish stance, likely keeping interest rates at current elevated levels through 2026. Investors are closely watching the Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500 for signals on the Fed Funds rate and broader economic momentum.