US equity futures are firmer. Asian equities ended mostly lower, and European markets opened mostly higher. Market attention remains centered on the AI sector, with growing debate over stretched valuations, circular investment flows, and limited productivity gains raising bubble concerns. In Washington, the government shutdown continues with little progress, as discussions shift to potential broader disruptions and delayed data releases. On the geopolitical front, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire and the return of remaining hostages, while investors continue to monitor its potential impact on regional stability and energy markets.

Companies Mentioned: NVIDIA, Coinbase, Mastercard, AIG, Allianz, Coface

US equity futures are slightly higher. Asian equities advanced broadly, and European markets opened mostly softer. Market sentiment remained positive following a rebound in the AI sector, with Nvidia leading large-cap tech gains and continued momentum from recent M&A headlines. September FOMC minutes confirmed most policymakers favored holding rates steady, aligning with Chair Powell’s recent hawkish tone. Traders continued to price in the Fed’s risk-management stance amid mixed signals on inflation and labor market risks. Meanwhile, the 10-year Treasury auction tailed slightly, reflecting softer foreign demand.

Companies Mentioned: NVIDIA, Blackstone, Civitas Resources, SM Energy

S&P futures are up +0.2% and pointing to a slightly higher open. Asian markets were mixed with Japan and Hong Kong lower. New Zealand posted modest gains after a surprise RBNZ rate cut. Mainland China and South Korea remained closed for holidays. European markets are all firmer in early trades. Gold prices surpassed $4,000/ounce for the first time, driven by haven demand amid economic, fiscal, and geopolitical uncertainties. Year-to-date, gold has delivered over +50% returns, supported by concerns over potential market shocks, a possible US government shutdown, and expectations of further Federal Reserve monetary easing. Bullion-backed ETFs experienced their largest monthly inflows in over three years in September.

Companies Mentioned: Exxon Mobil, Intel, NVIDIA, Confluent

US equity futures are slightly softer. Asian markets are mostly higher, and European equities opened flat to lower. US stocks extended record highs Monday on continued optimism around AI and stable Fed expectations, while AMD surged after announcing a multibillion-dollar partnership with OpenAI. Political developments dominated global headlines — French Prime Minister Lecornu resigned, and Japan’s new LDP leader Takaichi’s victory fueled expectations for debt-funded stimulus. Rating agencies warned about France’s credit outlook, with BCA Research calling French bonds “uninvestable.”

Companies Mentioned: Apollo Global Management, Itron, Science Applications International

US equity futures are firmer with S&P up 0.25%. Asia equities trading mixed, European equity markets are lower. US 10-year yield add 2 bps at 4.14%. Dollar seeing decent gains versus Japanese yen, firmer versus euro and sterling. Softer versus Aussie. Oil gains. Gold at new high. Bitcoin also logged new record high. No real movement toward an end to the shutdown, though latest updates have focused on political implications that could ultimately offer path to resolution. A recent media report said the White House is increasingly concerned that allowing ACA healthcare subsidies to expire will become a political vulnerability for Republicans, worry GOP will take blame for allowing healthcare costs to jump ahead of next year's midterms. Potential for mass firings of federal workers remains a key market overhang given potential for economic implications beyond shutdown period.

Companies Mentioned: Firefly Aerospace Inc, Critical Metals, Brookfield Asset Management

US equity futures are firmer. Asian equities ended mostly higher, and European equities opened firmer. The US government shutdown remained the main headline focus, though markets have treated it as noise for now. Concerns are growing about potential mass firings of federal employees and delayed economic data releases, including nonfarm payrolls and CPI, that could complicate the Fed’s ability to assess conditions ahead of an expected October rate cut. Market is continuing to price in ~90% chance of October rate cut. In addition, AI-driven momentum continued to dominate market sentiment, with global semis rallying as OpenAI struck deals with Asian chipmakers on Stargate cooperation.

Companies Mentioned: Boeing, Nvidia, Alphabet

US equity futures are firmer. Asian markets advanced, and European equities opened firmer. Soybeans have become a flashpoint in US-China trade talks after President Trump criticized Beijing for halting US purchases, saying he will raise the issue with President Xi next month. In addition, the US government shutdown continued after the Senate again failed to pass stopgap funding legislation, however, shutdown widely telegraphed and remains more noise than news, though data delays and Trump threat of mass federal worker firings the near-term; Meanwhile, US macro releases showed weakness, with September ADP private payrolls falling, though September ISM manufacturing improved modestly from August.

Companies Mentioned: OpenAI, Exxon Mobil, Apple

US equity futures are weaker. Asia finished mixed, and European equities opened narrowly mixed. Focus remained on the US government shutdown after funding legislation failed to pass, though the Street continues to downplay broader economic risks. Market participants flagged the delay of key economic releases. AI names continued to attract attention with NVIDIA outperforming, while pharma stocks gained on favorable drug pricing developments. Trade tensions were also in focus after USTR Greer said 55% China tariffs remain "status quo" and Republicans voiced skepticism over renewed Chinese agricultural purchases. Greer was more positive on prospects of trade deals with South East Asian countries when Trump visits region next month.

Companies Mentioned: Meta Platforms, Lithium Americas, AES Corp

S&P futures are down (0.2%) and pointing to a slightly lower open. The White House expanded its export blacklist to include subsidiaries of firms like Huawei and SMIC, raising fears of heightened trade tensions. Separately, Trump announced new tariffs on timber, lumber, and furniture imports, though countries with trade deals will see tariffs capped at negotiated rates. Asian markets were mostly higher today with Greater China outperforming, while European benchmarks are mostly in the red in early trades.

Companies Mentioned: Boeing, Exxon Mobile, Coty

US equity futures are higher with S&P going up. European and Asian equity markets both higher. Hang Seng outperforms amid tech gains. Bonds firmer, which sees US 10-year yield off 4 bps at 4.1%. Dollar softer, oil down, gold up. Industrial metals are mostly firmer. After global pharma shares came under pressure last Friday from President Trump's announcement of a 100% tariff on branded drugs, Europe and Japan officials expressed confidence that their levies will be capped at the 15% stipulated in their respective trade agreements with US, according to press. White House official said UK faces 100% levy given there was no specific stipulation for pharmas in their US deal. Sources indicated British government set to concede UK should pay more for some medicines and Starmer chief business adviser Chandra will travel to Washington next week to convey such overtures.

Companies Mentioned: TotalEnergies, Occidental Petroleum, Merus, Genmab