The non-farm payrolls data is keeping traders on the tenterhook and the index futures point to a negative opening on Friday. The caveat here is the the market mood could quickly pivot to positivity if the job gain comes in line with expectations. Following the data, traders get to hear from two Federal Reserve officials, possibly the last ones ahead of the Sept. 17-18 Federal Open Market Committee Meeting, given the blackout period starts on Saturday.

The market direction depends on which worries the traders the most – a slowdown or the rate trajectory. If the job gains grossly disappoint just...