Stocks dip after an early gain; Apple climbs on better sales

Technology stocks are up after Apple said iPhone sales improved in its last quarter, which sent its stock to its highest price in more than a year.

The big gains for Apple, the world's most valuable publicly-traded company, took technology stocks higher.

The hiring was greater than expected, and the construction, manufacturing, health care and shipping industries all adding jobs at a solid pace.

Investors reacted to the hiring report by selling government bonds, which are relatively safe investments that are in greater demand when the economy seems weaker.

Financial stocks rose, as higher interest rates allow banks to charge more money for lending.

Mailing equipment and software company Pitney Bownes slid $2.71, or 17.1 percent, to $13.21 after its quarterly sales fell short of expectations and its profit forecast disappointed Wall Street.

Brent crude, the benchmark for international oil prices, gained 32 cents to $55.90 a barrel in London.

Lightweight aluminum products maker Arconic surged after its largest shareholder said the company needs new leadership.

Arconic makes lightweight engineered products for aerospace and autos, which some investors saw as more promising than Alcoa's mining and smelting business.