Small-cap index Russell 2000 climbed 1.1%, with biotech leading. For "investing and taxes" planning, gains from speculative biotech can be mitigated by harvesting losses in underperforming utilities stocks, aligning portfolios with both market momentum and tax efficiency. The budget bill passed the House 101-8 on Oct. 2 and moved on to the Senate. The Senate, shortly after 1 a.m. on Oct. 3, approved both the general government budget and the education budget in 31-5 votes, with five Republican senators voting no. The House passed the education budget, with a 104-5 vote, shortly before 2 a.m. on Oct. 3. Those budget bills were sent to Whitmer, who is expected to sign them. The tax bracket you land in is determined by your income and filing status. But it is possible to minimize your tax liability. Here are two options you might consider for reducing your investment tax bill: Retail sector earnings surpassed forecasts, lifting the Dow by 190 points. "Investing and taxes" considerations include timing equity sales post-dividend record dates to align income recognition with lower-tax periods.