NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Wall Street had the weekend to mull over a disappointing March jobs report, and after some reflection, determined that the latest sign of U.S. economic softness was actually good news. The report, released after the close of markets on Friday, bolstered speculation that the Federal Reserve may increase interest rates later this year.
"This has to push hiking thoughts out and create a neutral-positioning patience amongst investors who prudently need to assess Q1 in light of potential rebounds effects in Q2," said David Ader and Ian Lyngen, strategists at CRT Capital. "We frankly think more is going on with the softer tone due to the dollar and oil."
The probability of a December rate hike has risen to 57%, according to the CME Group which calculates the likelihood based on fed funds futures prices. The likelihood of a September rate hike decreased to 26% from 33%.
In a speech in New Jersey on Monday, Fed President William Dudley acknowledged the economic slowdown, predicting growth in the first quarter of only 1% compared to 2.2% over the previous 9 months. However, Dudley suggested that a strong U.S. dollar and lower oil prices may be only transitory pressures on domestic growth.
Crude oil rebounded, reclaiming a level above $50 a barrel after selling off last Thursday. Prices had been under pressure after Iran and six world powers, the U.S. included, reached a tentative nuclear agreement that would lead to the lifting of economic sanctions. Freedom to trade could see Iranian oil flood an already-oversupplied commodity market.
Helping to boost oil on Monday, Saudi Arabia increased its prices for crude sold to Asia by $1, a sign of improving demand. U.S.-produced West Texas Intermediate was up 5.8% to $51.97 a barrel, following Brent crude higher.
"The main issue with crude oil prices right now is that it is plagued by geopolitical uncertainty, being susceptible to various events," said Daniel Ang, analyst at Phillip Capital. "This is going to give prices a huge amount of volatility and likely to follow these events very closely."
The energy sector was one of the best performers on markets Monday. Major oilersExxon Mobil (XOM), ConocoPhillips (COP), and Chevron (CVX) were all higher, while the Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) jumped 1.8%.
Microsoft (MSFT - Get Report) shares led the Dow higher, spiking 3.2% after the company received an upgrade to 'outperform' at Wells Fargo. Analysts said foreign exchange challenges have already been priced into the stock's value and that a renewed focus on mobile apps and cloud services will drive sales in its Microsoft Office division.
Tesla (TSLA - Get Report) led the Nasdaq 100 higher after after delivering just over 10,000 vehicles in the first quarter, a record high count. Shares added more than 6%.
Hudson City Bancorp (HCBK) was the worst performer on the S&P 500, tumbling 6.8% after the Fed informed M&T Bancorp (MBT) its purchase of the New Jersey-based bank will be delayed again. Hudson City had previously expected the sale to close on May 1
By Keris Alison Lahiff
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