Markets Firm as U.S. Shutdown Deal Nears; FAA Disruptions Hit Airlines, Japan Weighs Fiscal Reset
Investor sentiment improved as signals from Washington suggested the U.S. Senate has the votes to advance a negotiated agreement to end the federal shutdown. The prospect of a resolution lifted equity futures, even as air travel disruptions and delayed economic data complicated the near-term outlook. Abroad, Japan is considering a new fiscal framework alongside fresh stimulus, while equity leadership appears to be rotating away from the AI trade toward corporate spinoffs.
U.S. markets opened the week on a firmer footing, with S&P 500 futures up about 0.5% and Nasdaq 100 futures higher by roughly 0.7% as lawmakers moved closer to a compromise. At least eight members of the Senate Democratic caucus have signaled support for a negotiated deal, boosting hopes for a swift end to the impasse. Still, softer consumer sentiment and postponed CPI and PPI releases due to the shutdown are keeping investors focused on near-term data gaps and upcoming earnings from major consumer and tech names.
Travel and transport stocks faced pressure after FAA service cuts triggered widespread operational snarls. Newark (EWR), LaGuardia (LGA), and Detroit (DTW) experienced delays exceeding 50%, contributing to more than 2,200 flight cancellations on Sunday. The disruptions intensified scrutiny of airline valuations and sector risk as carriers and airports navigated the immediate revenue impact and potential schedule knock-on effects.
In Asia, Japan’s leadership is reviewing a new fiscal target that prioritizes the country’s overall financial health while preparing additional stimulus to support growth. On the equity strategy front, investors are reassessing crowded trades as the AI boom cools, with some highlighting corporate spinoffs as a source of structural alpha and potential double-digit outperformance versus the broader market.
Key Points – U.S. Senate support builds for a negotiated deal to end the federal shutdown, buoying risk sentiment. – S&P 500 futures up ~0.5%; Nasdaq 100 futures up ~0.7% on improved outlook. – FAA service reductions led to 2,200+ flight cancellations and >50% delays at EWR, LGA, and DTW. – Consumer sentiment weakened; key inflation reports (CPI, PPI) delayed by the shutdown. – Japan weighs a new fiscal target and additional stimulus to bolster the economy. – Market rotation in focus as AI momentum cools and spinoffs gain attention for potential outperformance.
