"Dow Rises Slightly, Nasdaq Falls as Markets Struggle in Early 2024"

U.S. stocks continued to struggle, with the tech sector lagging as Apple's stock fell for the fourth consecutive day. The Federal Reserve's meeting minutes indicated that interest rates could remain high for some time, dampening hopes for an early rate cut. Despite this, labor market data showed positive signs with private companies adding more jobs than expected in December and jobless claims falling below estimates. Investors are now awaiting the December jobs report for further insights into the labor market and economic health. Meanwhile, travel stocks rose due to falling oil prices, and mortgage rates have stalled after recent declines.