Overview

• The S&P 500 rose 0.6% and the Nasdaq added 1.1% on Oct. 8 to close at all-time highs, while the Dow finished essentially flat, according to official market tallies.
• AI-linked technology and semiconductor shares led gains, with chipmakers outperforming as enthusiasm for data-center and AI infrastructure spending persisted.
• FOMC minutes indicated most policymakers see additional easing as likely this year, even as recent comments from Jeff Schmid and Neel Kashkari highlighted lingering inflation risks.
• With the U.S. government shutdown in its second week and key data releases delayed, investors are focused on Fed speeches—especially Chair Jerome Powell’s remarks—and on early corporate earnings updates.
• Gold held above $4,000 an ounce after hitting record levels, and EIA data showed U.S. crude inventories rose by 3.715 million barrels, while energy shares underperformed.