Dow futures are flat as traders wait for fresh

Dow futures are flat as traders wait for fresh inflation data. Any surprise drop in CPI could ignite a rally, especially in consumer discretionary components. What could make this shutdown different, though, is that the White House may push for large-scale firings of federal workers . Lawmakers have until 12:01 a.m. ET Wednesday to reach a last-gasp agreement or see the first stoppage since 2019. Odds of a shutdown are near 93%, according to Polymarket . Futures are buoyant as traders interpret the latest PCE numbers as inflation coming under control. The Dow’s defensive mix offers an attractive play amid macro uncertainty.