Analysts note stronger-than-expected bank earnings could keep financials buoyant, offsetting any softness in consumer discretionary names amid slowing retail sales data. To be sure, the analyst noted the potential risks of a shutdown can worsen the longer it goes on. An extended shutdown that delays government data, and creates a fiscal drag on the economy, may mean this time could result in a different outcome. Stock futures jumped premarket after President Trump posted on social media that he is considering slashing tariffs on Chinese imports ahead of the highly anticipated meeting between US and Chinese officials this weekend. Hedging flows are evident with Dow weekend futures ticking up by 0.15% to 38,
