S&P 500 futures edged higher in pre-market trading as investors positioned ahead of a key inflation report. Analysts observed notable sector rotation, with increased buying in energy and health care stocks, reflecting expectations of resilient earnings and defensive positioning. Market participants weighed potential impacts of upcoming inflation data on Federal Reserve policy, while balancing portfolio exposure across cyclical and defensive sectors. The cautious optimism underscores investor focus on macroeconomic indicators and sector-specific opportunities ahead of the major U.S. corporate earnings season.

The U.S. House of Representatives approved a bipartisan stopgap funding bill, averting an immediate federal government shutdown. The legislation ensures continued funding for government agencies through December, providing temporary fiscal stability while deferring contentious budget negotiations until after the mid-term recess. Lawmakers emphasized the need to maintain essential services and public sector operations, alleviating near-term uncertainty. The move reflects a pragmatic approach to governance, balancing political differences with the necessity of uninterrupted federal funding and operational continuity across key agencies.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported stronger-than-expected September payrolls, with unemployment falling to 3.7%, signaling a resilient labor market. Wage growth moderated, easing concerns over overheating and inflation pressures. Economists suggest that steady employment and tempered wage increases point to continued, but slower, consumer spending through autumn. The data reinforces expectations of a cautious Federal Reserve approach to monetary policy, balancing economic growth with inflation control, while markets adjust to the implications for spending, earnings, and broader economic momentum in the coming months.

Federal Reserve officials maintained a data-driven approach, indicating no immediate change to benchmark interest rates despite stronger-than-expected U.S. jobs data. Minutes from recent meetings revealed a split among policymakers regarding the timing of any further rate hikes this year, reflecting caution amid mixed economic signals. While employment gains support the economy, inflation trends and global uncertainties continue to influence policy decisions. Markets interpreted the stance as signaling patience, with investors closely monitoring upcoming economic data for clues on future monetary policy adjustments.

The U.S. government shutdown has forced financial regulators like the SEC and CFTC to furlough over 90% of their staff, causing disruptions in IPO approvals, ETF launches, and economic data releases. With agencies effectively inactive, companies awaiting market clearance face delays, and investors remain cautious amid rising fiscal uncertainty.

The U.S. government underwent a historic 35-day shutdown from December 22, 2018, to January 25, 2019, due to a dispute over funding for a U.S.–Mexico border wall. Approximately 800,000 federal employees were affected, with many furloughed or working without pay. Essential services continued, but many agencies were impacted. The shutdown ended after Congress passed an appropriations bill on January 25, 2019.

The U.S. government experienced a 16-day shutdown in October 2013 due to disagreements over funding the Affordable Care Act. Approximately 800,000 federal employees were furloughed, and another 1.3 million were required to work without pay. Essential services continued, but many government operations were curtailed. The shutdown ended after Congress passed an interim appropriations bill on October 17, 2013.

In 1995–1996, the U.S. experienced two government shutdowns due to conflicts between President Bill Clinton and House Speaker Newt Gingrich over funding for education, the environment, and public health. The first shutdown lasted 5 days in November 1995, and the second lasted 21 days from December 1995 to January 1996. Approximately 800,000 federal employees were furloughed during the first shutdown, and about 284,000 during the second. The shutdowns ended after negotiations led to a balanced budget agreement.

As a partial shutdown hits the U.S. government, a wide range of services face suspension. While critical services such as air traffic control and mail delivery remain operational, numerous federal agencies have ceased their functions, causing widespread disruptions and furloughs across various departments.

The U.S. government has entered a partial shutdown as deep partisan divisions prevented Congress and the White House from reaching a funding deal. The shutdown could lead to the loss of thousands of federal jobs and disrupt various government services.

Despite the U.S. government entering a partial shutdown, Wall Street remains relatively unaffected, with major indexes showing minimal changes. However, bond yields have declined following disappointing economic data, including a report indicating a loss of 32,000 private-sector jobs in September. The upcoming Labor Department report is expected to be delayed due to the shutdown.

The United States government entered a partial shutdown at 12:01 AM EDT on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to pass appropriations for the 2026 fiscal year. Around 900,000 federal employees are furloughed, and 700,000 are working without pay. Essential services like TSA and Amtrak continue, but agencies like NIH and CDC face partial or full suspensions. The shutdown stems from disputes over Affordable Care Act tax credits and infrastructure funding, raising concerns about fiscal stability.

President Trump rolled out a sweeping tariff package targeting heavy trucks (25%), pharmaceutical imports (100%), and furniture items (30% to 50%), citing national security. The diversifying tariff assault has rattled markets. Importers, pharma firms, and industrial players are being forced to reassess costs and supply chains across sectors now exposed to heavy duty risk.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang welcomed efforts to expand skilled immigration but warned that the proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee could stifle innovation. He said the U.S. must remain open to global talent to lead in AI and technology. The comments come amid India’s concerns that the visa fee hike will hurt IT exporters and reduce competitiveness for skilled workers.

Trump stated that the Justice Department will decide whether to indict former FBI Director James Comey, even as he criticized him harshly. He labeled Comey a “bad” and “sick” person but insisted he will not interfere in the process. A grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia is expected to consider the matter soon, sources say.

Eighteen former U.S. economic officials—including past Fed chairs and Treasury secretaries—filed a brief in the Supreme Court urging it to block Trump’s move to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. They argue doing so would undermine central bank independence and damage public confidence. Lower courts have already paused her dismissal while litigation continues.

Donald Trump claims multiple “sinister events” occurred during his United Nations visit—an escalator malfunction, teleprompter failure, and sound glitches. He says the Secret Service is probing sabotage and wants the U.N. to preserve security footage. U.N. officials say the escalator’s safety system triggered and that the teleprompter was operated by the White House, not the U.N.