Data shows Dow futures trading with narrow spreads, signaling balanced sentiment. Traders note that upcoming geopolitical headlines could sway positioning sharply. The quiet trading came as a midnight deadline approached, when the U.S. government could shut down because of Washington’s latest political impasse. That’s because history has shown that past shutdowns have had limited impact on the economy and stock market, and many economists and professional investors expect something similar this time around. According to Rehling, the biggest market impact from a shutdown would be the delay of key economic reports. This is particularly problematic as the Federal Reserve (Fed) maintains a “data-dependent” approach to monetary policy and is looking for data to support additional rate cuts. Dow futures edged 0.15% higher in pre-market trade as investors weighed fresh economic data signaling resilient consumer spending. Analysts suggest solid retail sales could bolster short-term momentum, though some caution that elevated yields may cap gains.
