Pre-market volume in "US stocks futures" is slightly above average, reflecting positioning ahead of CPI data due tomorrow. Inflation softening could validate rate cut bets and accelerate flows into tech and consumer discretionary names. Strong performance in a shutdown isn't without precedent. In every shutdown since 1995, the S&P 500 has notched positive performance, according to data from LPL Financial. Gold slips as traders take stock of record-breaking rally Earnings optimism continues to underpin "US stocks futures", especially in the healthcare sector after several biotech firms reported promising trial results. S&P 500 futures are 14 points in the green.