- With a U.S. government shutdown looming, global markets showed signs of caution: equities slipped, the U.S. dollar weakened broadly, and gold spiked to new highs (briefly hitting about $3,820/oz).
- A shutdown would delay or suspend the release of key economic indicators, including the upcoming monthly employment report and inflation data, complicating the Federal Reserve’s ability to make informed decisions.
- In such a scenario, the Fed might be “flying blind,” lacking fresh data for its late-October meeting, which raises uncertainty about the path of monetary policy.
- On the markets: European stocks dipped modestly, Japan’s Nikkei fell, while broader Asia ex-Japan and Chinese indices posted gains.
- The dollar’s weakness was seen against major currencies (yen, euro, etc.), and gold’s rally reflected flight-to-safety flows amid uncertainty.
- Additional pressures include the planned imposition of new U.S. tariffs in early October on trucks, drugs, and furniture, which may add volatility.









