Dow Jones Today: Stock Indexes Show Little Movement After Jobs Report Delay; Unemployment Rate Exceeds Expectations

The stock market showed mixed performance today, with major indexes remaining largely unchanged following the release of delayed jobs data. The report indicated that the unemployment rate was higher than anticipated.

**Belated Jobs Report Shows Sluggishness**

Due to a government shutdown, the release of crucial jobs data was delayed, revealing a slowdown in job creation and a rise in the unemployment rate during the months of October and November.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. economy saw a loss of 105,000 jobs in October, followed by a gain of only 64,000 jobs in November. The unemployment rate climbed to 4.6% in November, up from 4.4% in September, marking its highest point since 2021.

Economists surveyed by Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal had anticipated better figures for both job creation and the unemployment rate in November. The report suggests a continuation of a trend that began in the summer, with hiring slowing down due to uncertainties among business leaders concerning tariff policies and the Trump administration's stance on immigration. Notably, October marked the third month this year with job losses. Before June, the U.S. had experienced continuous monthly job growth since the pandemic.

The report also highlighted the consequences of deferred government layoffs that occurred earlier in the year when President Trump initiated cuts to federal programs and jobs, offering buyouts that took effect in October.

**Micron Technology Earnings Anticipated**

Micron Technology is scheduled to announce its earnings after the market closes on Wednesday, and traders are anticipating a significant swing in the company's stock price.

Options pricing suggests that traders are bracing for a potential movement of up to 9% in either direction for Micron (MU) shares by the end of the week. If the stock were to rise by that much from Monday's closing price of $237.50, it would surpass $258, approaching its all-time high from the previous week. Conversely, a similar drop could bring the stock down to around $217, a level seen late last month.

Micron, a manufacturer of memory components for leading AI chipmakers like Nvidia (NVDA) and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), has experienced a surge in sales due to strong demand for its memory chips. The company's stock has nearly tripled in value in 2025, making it one of the top-performing stocks in the S&P 500 this year.

Analysts predict that Micron will report a 48% year-over-year increase in revenue, reaching a record $12.93 billion. They also project that adjusted earnings per share will more than double to $3.96 for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, according to Visible Alpha estimates.

**Kraft Heinz Announces New CEO**

Kraft Heinz (KHC) will be under new leadership as it approaches its planned split next year.

Effective January 1, Steve Cahillane will take over as CEO of Kraft Heinz. Cahillane, who previously served as CEO of Kellanova until its recent acquisition by Mars, will also join the board and lead "Global Taste Elevation Co." following the separation into two independent, publicly traded entities.

Carlos Abrams-Rivera will step down on January 1 and remain as an advisor to the company until March 6, 2026, to ensure a smooth transition, according to Kraft Heinz. Abrams-Rivera was originally slated to head the post-split grocery business, "North American Grocery Co.," but that is no longer the case. The Kraft Heinz board will begin a global search for a CEO to lead the grocery business.

"Global Taste Elevation Co." will be the larger of the two resulting companies, encompassing brands such as Heinz ketchup, Philadelphia cream cheese, and Kraft Mac & Cheese. "North American Grocery Co." will include Oscar Mayer, Kraft Singles, and Lunchables.

Kraft Heinz announced its plan to split in September, reversing a merger that occurred just a decade ago.

Cahillane expressed confidence that the planned separation will accelerate the company's ability to compete and succeed in today's environment, unlocking the significant opportunities ahead.

**Frontier Airlines' Parent Company Appoints New CEO**

Frontier Group Holdings (ULCC), the parent company of Frontier Airlines, has announced a change in its leadership.

After the markets closed on Monday, the company revealed that Barry Biffle, the long-standing CEO, would be replaced on an interim basis by James Dempsey, the company's president.

Biffle, who served as Frontier's CEO for 11 years, will remain in an advisory capacity until the end of the year.

Dempsey, who joined Frontier in 2014 as CFO, stated that with 13 bases and a strong cost advantage, he believes Frontier is well-positioned to deliver unmatched value to customers across the United States. He added that he looks forward to working with the team to write Frontier's next chapter, striving to create long-term value for all stakeholders.

Ultra-low-cost carriers like Frontier and Spirit Airlines have faced significant challenges in recent years, as larger airlines offer more premium options, international flights, and more comprehensive loyalty programs. Frontier's attempt to merge with Spirit three years ago was unsuccessful due to a higher bid from JetBlue, a merger that was ultimately blocked by the Biden administration. Spirit has filed for bankruptcy twice in just over a year.

Frontier's shares have decreased by 19% this year as of Tuesday.