National job figures come out Friday, and that kept traders noncommittal until the end of Thursday's market session. The combination of new employment data that could impact investor sentiment about economic recovery and the run-up to the Labor Day weekend kept most stocks and exchange-traded funds range-bound Thursday. Despite low volume, late-day optimism about the August jobs report sparked a surge before the end of the session. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 64 at 9345. The Nasdaq finished up 16 at 1983 and the S&P 500 gained 8 to close at 1003.

Monthly sales reports from retailers Thursday underscored that while some consumers are starting to open their wallets, most remain focused on necessities. Overall sales are still weak, but Gap (GPS) and Costco Wholesale (COST) posted results that topped investors' expectations. Retailers issued same-store sales results indicating some improvement but continued consumer caution. An index of 31 retailers compiled by the International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs dropped 2.1% for August, better than earlier estimates of a 3.5% to 4% slide. While housing and manufacturing have shown small improvements, the economy is still weak. For a detailed rundown on Thursday s trading session see our market story.

Winners

Gold closed at $993 an ounce, pushing shares of the Market Vectors Gold Miners fund (GDX) up 5.2%. The SPDR S&P Retail fund (XRT) climbed 2.6% after chain store sales for August declined less than initial estimates.

Losers

The late-afternoon swing hit the iPath Exchange Traded Notes S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures Index fund (VXX), which shed 4.7% on volatility. Increased natural gas inventory pushed down shares of the United States Natural Gas fund (UNG), which dropped 4.4%.

Friday s Notebook

Earnings and Conference Calls
ATA, First Pacific, H&R Block, RG Barry

Economic Data
8:30 a.m. Employment Situation

Quick Take

A look at how the industry's most popular ETFs did on Thursday.