US stock futures extend gains after weaker-than-expected jobs report

U.S. stock index futures extended their gains on Thursday after the release of a weaker-than-expected jobs report for June. The economy added 57,000 jobs in June, a figure that significantly missed economist expectations. This represents a slowdown from the 129,000 jobs added in May, which was subsequently revised downward. The unemployment rate also saw a decrease, falling to 4.2% in June from 4.3% in May.

The softer jobs data has led to a reassessment of the Federal Reserve's monetary policy. Traders are now pricing in a lower probability of an interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve in July. This development comes after comments from Kevin Warsh regarding easing inflation risks, which had already sparked a reassessment of rate hike prospects.

The implications of this jobs report extend beyond stock markets. The potential for fewer interest rate hikes could further weaken the U.S. dollar, which in turn may accelerate rallies in assets such as bitcoin and gold. The weaker jobs report is seen as a key factor that could ignite further price increases in these markets.