Headline: Risk Appetite Returns as U.S. Shutdown Nears a Breakthrough
The prospect of an end to the U.S. government shutdown is brightening market sentiment, with investors positioning for a potential funding deal. After the Senate cleared an initial procedural hurdle, attention shifts to the House, where lawmakers have been notified to prepare for votes on government funding later this week. The Senate is set to reconvene at 1600 GMT to advance the measure.
Equities are responding to the improved tone. U.S. stock futures are higher, with S&P 500 futures up around 0.8%, extending Friday’s recovery in risk assets. While the shutdown itself hasn’t been the sole driver of market swings, a credible path to reopening government functions appears to be easing concerns about funding and liquidity stress—a dynamic that can amplify risk aversion during prolonged policy standoffs.
In currency and digital asset markets, the U.S. dollar is mixed. USD/JPY is holding near 154 as yen weakness persists amid dovish fiscal rhetoric in Tokyo, while the Australian dollar outperforms, lifting AUD/USD back above 0.6520 alongside the broader risk bid. Bitcoin has rebounded, trading above $106,000 after defending the $100,000 zone, underscoring improved risk sentiment. Gold is also catching a bid, climbing to a two-week high near $4,053 as dip buyers return despite the risk-on backdrop.
Key Points: – Senate advances a funding measure as lawmakers work to end the 40-day U.S. government shutdown. – House votes on government funding are expected this week; Senate reconvenes at 1600 GMT. – S&P 500 futures gain about 0.8%, reflecting stronger risk sentiment and easing liquidity concerns. – USD/JPY trades near 154 on persistent yen softness; AUD/USD climbs back above 0.6520. – Bitcoin moves above $106,000 after holding the $100,000 level, signaling risk-on appetite. – Gold rises to a two-week high near $4,053 as dip buyers step back in.
