Major U.S. stock-indexes rose on Friday as U.S. employment increased more than expected in July and wages picked up, bolstering expectations of an acceleration in economic growth and raising the probability of a Federal Reserve interest rate hike this year. Nonfarm payrolls rose by 255,000 jobs after an upwardly revised 292,000 surge in June, with hiring broadly based across sectors of the economy, the Labor Department said on Friday. The unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.9% as more people entered the labor market. Highlighting job market strength, average hourly earnings increased a healthy eight cents and workers put in more hours. In addition, 18,000 more jobs were created in May and June than previously reported.

Almost of Dow stocks in positive area (27 of 30). Top gainer - Merck & Co. Inc. (MRK, +7.50%). Top looser - Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ, -0.45%).

Most of S&P sectors also in positive area. Top gainer - Conglomerates (+2.0%). Top looser - Utilities (-0.7%).

At the moment:

Dow 18440.00 +167.00 +0.91%

S&P 500 2177.00 +17.75 +0.82%

Nasdaq 100 4794.00 +50.25 +1.06%

Oil 41.52 -0.41 -0.98%

Gold 1344.70 -22.70 -1.66%

U.S. 10yr 1.57 +0.07