VB is trading at $319.21 (+4.29%) as Friday’s unexpectedly weak July jobs report—including 23,000 payroll losses and downward revisions—reduced expectations for a near-term Fed rate hike.

  • Lower Treasury yields and improved rate-sensitive risk sentiment are supporting small-cap stocks; the Russell 2000 rose 1.1% on August 7.
  • Futures remain modestly higher, though rising oil prices linked to Strait of Hormuz tensions may limit gains.