Headline: Risk Appetite Strengthens as US Shutdown Resolution Nears; Dollar Softens, Bitcoin and Gold Rise
Investor sentiment improved across Europe and looks set to carry into the US session, buoyed by growing confidence that a US government shutdown could soon be resolved. The prospect of a reopened government is reviving risk appetite, putting equities and digital assets on firmer footing to start the week.
A shutdown end would restore the flow of US economic data, offering a clearer look at labor market conditions. Any signs of softness could reinforce expectations for earlier Federal Reserve rate cuts, even as inflation risks linked to tariffs linger. At the same time, easing funding and liquidity pressures tied to the shutdown are removing a headwind for markets. That dynamic is weighing on the US dollar while supporting broader risk-on positioning.
Market moves reflect the improved tone: US equity futures are higher, Bitcoin is up 1.4% to $106,181 after defending the $100,000 threshold, and dip buyers are returning to safe-haven assets as well. Gold has climbed 2% to $4,079, marking a fresh two-week high, underscoring how both risk assets and hedges are benefiting from shifting rate and liquidity expectations.
Key Points: – Risk sentiment improves in Europe and is expected to extend into US trading. – Hopes of ending the US government shutdown are supporting equities and digital assets. – Resumption of US data could expose labor market fragility, boosting odds of earlier Fed rate cuts. – Easing liquidity pressures are negative for the US dollar and positive for risk assets. – Bitcoin gains 1.4% to $106,181 after holding above $100,000. – Gold rises 2% to $4,079, hitting a two-week high.
