Headline: Stocks Firm as Shutdown Deal Advances; Japan Mulls New Fiscal Targets; AI Upswing Still Has Room
Introduction: Global markets opened on a stronger footing as Washington moved closer to ending parts of the U.S. government shutdown. While travel disruptions weighed on transport names, policy shifts in Japan and a still-resilient artificial intelligence investment cycle added fresh angles for investors to consider.
U.S. equity futures climbed, with S&P 500 contracts up around 0.5% and the Nasdaq 100 gaining roughly 0.7%, as a centrist Senate proposal to fund federal agencies through January 30 gained traction. The measure still faces resistance in the House from both Democratic leaders and conservative Republicans, keeping headline risk elevated. With consumer sentiment softening and key inflation reports (CPI and PPI) delayed by the shutdown, corporate earnings—particularly from names such as Disney and CRWV—are likely to carry extra weight in the near term.
Shutdown-related staffing cuts at the FAA triggered more than 2,200 flight cancellations, stoking travel chaos and knocking airline and transport stocks. The disruption underscores the immediate economic ripple effects of policy gridlock, from operational bottlenecks to potential pressure on sector valuations, even as broader indexes reflect relief over a potential stopgap funding deal.
In Asia, Prime Minister Takaichi signaled that Japan’s government will examine a new fiscal target that assesses the nation’s overall fiscal health—paired with plans for sizeable stimulus to support growth. On the thematic front, investors continue to debate the durability of the AI trade. Some strategists point to “structural alpha” from corporate spinoffs and expect continued outperformance versus the S&P 500, while others—echoing a Goldman Sachs view—argue the current AI cycle resembles the late-1990s buildout rather than the 2000 peak, suggesting room to run absent shocks to funding or demand.
Key Points: – S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures rose as a Senate stopgap plan to end parts of the U.S. shutdown gained momentum. – The funding bill faces opposition in the House, keeping policy uncertainty in play. – FAA staffing cuts led to 2,200+ flight cancellations, pressuring airline and transport stocks. – Inflation data (CPI/PPI) are delayed by the shutdown; earnings from Disney and CRWV are in focus. – Japan’s PM Takaichi will review a new fiscal target alongside plans for significant economic stimulus. – AI investment cycle viewed as ongoing, with potential for structural alpha via spinoffs and continued outperformance barring external shocks.
