Early trade in live stock futures sees rotation into mid-cap growth names, as fund managers seek to capture relative value compared to high P/E megacaps. Earnings season volatility is shaping entry points. 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. "The shutdown seems to be playing out as expected with both sides preferring to talk at each other through microphones rather than negotiate a real budget that funds the government long term," said Brian Mulberry, senior client portfolio manager at Zacks Investment Management. "Markets will tolerate this for a few days, but if the administration is successful in trimming down various departments it may be seen as a long-term positive but short-term disruption." Live stock futures for the Nasdaq 100 are outperforming broader indexes, reflecting steady demand for high-growth tech names. Options market data indicates traders are leaning towards short-term call positions, expecting a catalyst from earnings beats.