Wall Street’s on a high even as Washington shuts down. The Russell 2000, Nasdaq 100, and gold all hit record levels to start the week, powered by fresh AI momentum and a wave of dealmaking. OpenAI’s multibillion-dollar partnership with AMD has reignited investor enthusiasm, while Fifth Third Bancorp’s takeover of Comerica signals new life in M&A.

Dan Koh speaks with José Torres, Senior Economist at Interactive Brokers to unpack what’s really driving the risk-on mood, the data gaps left by the government blackout, and how investors should read Japan’s sudden leadership change under Sanae Takaichi.

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