US equity markets opened in positive territory on Friday, with the Nasdaq Composite leading the advance as investors digested a surprise decline in US employment for July.

The labor market data, which showed a contraction in jobs contrary to expectations, has significantly dampened market expectations for further interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve.

26 points. The shift in sentiment reflects a broader repricing of monetary policy expectations.

The Nasdaq Composite opened 0.70% higher at 26,534.66 points, outpacing the broader market.

The S&P 500 also started the session in the green, rising 0.32% to 7,735.18 points.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average opened relatively flat, ticking up to 53,849.26 points.

The shift in sentiment reflects a broader repricing of monetary policy expectations.