Why are futures down in volatile trade? Elevated VIX

Why are futures down in volatile trade? Elevated VIX readings above 19 suggested hedging demand increasing sharply. Risk-off flows pushed S&P futures to session lows, with financials and tech leading declines. Then, after Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin lost possession at the edge of the box as another attempt to build play broke down, Ethan Williams dragged a shot a yard wide. The shutdown is now the central focus for markets, overshadowing optimism from September’s strong equity rebound. The S&P 500 just delivered its best September performance in over 15 years, powered by enthusiasm for artificial intelligence and expectations of lower interest rates. But investors fear the shutdown could derail the outlook by delaying key data that informs the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy path. Why are futures down? Futures slipped in early trading following hawkish remarks from Fed officials hinting at possible rate hikes beyond mid-year. Nasdaq futures fell 120 points as rate-sensitive mega-cap tech faced renewed valuation pressure.