Futures tied to the Dow advanced 95 points this morning as airline earnings surpassed forecasts. Sector-specific catalysts are playing an increasingly pivotal role in intraday futures sentiment. In a latest development, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE: BRK ) (NYSE: BRK ) agreed to acquire Occidental Petroleum Corp.’s (NYSE: OXY ) chemical business for $9.7 billion in cash. The stock market has historically brushed off government shutdowns, but an especially acerbic congressional dispute over the latest funding bill could test that track record. Dow futures trading remains in positive territory, reflecting investor confidence in robust corporate earnings season. Futures gains may moderate if oil prices push inflation forecasts higher later in the week.