Wall Street paused from its big rally today, with stocks closing narrowly mixed after the government’s November labour report showed tepid job growth as well as a pick-up in inflation.

Wall Street advanced for a second session in a row today as investors placed bets that the Federal Reserve would not indicate that it is leaning toward a US interest rate hike.

Rival Google may be nipping at its heels, but Microsoft wasn’t flashing any defeatist signs as it showcased its latest plans to help make living in the digital world safer, easier and more fun.