Markets are uncertain as Washington remains closed. Wall Street stocks ended higher on Tuesday, nearing new records. The lack of key data due to the shutdown may increase volatility in markets, with the VIX volatility gauge rising. Chinese markets are closed for Golden Week, adding to global market uncertainty.

The U.S. government shutdown impacts statistical releases, delaying the September jobs report. Investors must rely on private and survey-based data. Japan’s Nikkei slipped as the BOJ Tankan and U.S. policy set the tone. The shutdown may also affect mid-October inflation reports if data collection is disrupted. Asia equities were mixed.

The U.S. government shutdown begins, potentially leading to the loss of federal jobs. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticizes “fat generals” and diversity initiatives in the military. Pfizer and President Donald Trump agree on lower drug prices for tariff relief. The London Metal Exchange’s zinc inventory is critically low, possibly needing a Chinese booster. Metal prices do not reflect their importance in the global energy transition.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Congress leaves DC and markets in the dark