Around 70,000 new jobs are expected after December’s 50,000, with unemployment seen at 4.4%. A softer reading could add pressure following weak retail sales. Reports that Chinese regulators urged banks to curb U.S. Treasury exposure added to FX volatility.

AI-related anxiety also weighed on sentiment. A new tax platform from Altruist triggered sharp losses in wealth-management shares, intensifying concerns that emerging tools may disrupt established business models.

Tension across regions stayed in focus as Donald Trump said a second U.S. carrier group could be deployed to the Middle East if Iran talks fail, while reiterating preference for a negotiated outcome.

Check out today's analysis for more updates.