U.S. stock markets edged closer to record highs on Friday following fresh data on the country’s labor market. The S&P 500 advanced 0.7 percent, closing within 1 percent of its all-time peak established in August. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 250 points, or 0.5 percent, while the Nasdaq composite climbed 1.2 percent.

The market responded to the latest payroll report indicating that the U.S. economy added a net 28,000 jobs in September. This figure fell short of economists’ expectations and marked a slowdown compared to August’s net gain of 133,000 jobs. Despite the moderation, job growth continued, providing ongoing support to equity markets.

Meanwhile, Vietnam recorded strong economic growth in the third quarter of 2026, posting a 9.95 percent increase in GDP compared to the same period a year earlier. This marked the highest quarterly growth rate in the country in four years, according to data released by Vietnam’s National Statistics Office. The growth rate for the July-September period also showed improvement over the previous quarter’s 8.81 percent.

For the first nine months of 2026, Vietnam’s economy expanded 9.01 percent, the fastest pace for that timeframe in 15 years. The government’s targets aim for double-digit growth over the next five years, reflecting its ambitions to sustain rapid economic development.

Trade figures showed exports rising 24.5 percent year-on-year, while imports increased by 36.7 percent during the same period, underscoring continued robust external demand and domestic activity. Vietnam’s sustained expansion highlights its position as a notable growth example among Asian economies.