US stocks opened higher on Monday, clawing back some losses from last week, with investors eyeing a key economic report and ongoing political uncertainty over a potential government shutdown. The S&P 500 rose 0.4% in early trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up 29 points (0.1%), and the Nasdaq composite gained 0.6%, all hovering near last week’s record highs, AP reported.Electronic Arts shares jumped 5.7% after confirming it would be taken private in a $55 billion buyout, potentially the largest-ever leveraged acquisition of a publicly traded company. British pharmaceutical giant GSK’s shares gained 2.8% following the announcement that CEO Emma Walmsley will step down on December 31, with Luke Miels set to take over.Futures indicated further early gains, with S&P 500 futures up 0.5%, Dow futures 0.4%, and Nasdaq futures 0.6%, as investors weighed the possibility of a US government shutdown on Wednesday. While political impasses have historically had limited impact on markets, a shutdown could delay the release of government data crucial for traders, economists, and the Federal Reserve in assessing the health of the economy.Investors are also focused on the September jobs report, scheduled for release on Friday, as the Fed monitors inflation and the labor market. Last week, data showed US inflation accelerated to 2.7% in August from 2.6% in July, raising hopes that the Federal Reserve may continue easing interest rates to support growth.However, rising tariffs announced by President Donald Trump—including levies on pharmaceuticals, kitchen cabinets, furniture, and heavy trucks effective October 1—pose additional inflationary pressures that could affect consumer spending.In overseas markets, European indices showed modest gains, with Paris’ CAC 40 up 0.2% and London’s FTSE 100 rising 0.4%, while Germany’s DAX remained flat. Asian markets were mixed, with Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 falling 0.7%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng and Shanghai Composite advanced 0.9% each. South Korea’s Kospi surged 1.3%, and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 climbed 0.9%.Commodity markets showed volatility, with US crude losing $1.29 (1.97%) to $64.43 per barrel and Brent crude falling $1.25 to $67.97 amid speculation that OPEC+ nations may raise production limits next month. Gold continued its rally, hitting a record $3,854.60 an ounce, up 1.2%, as investors sought safe-haven assets amid economic and geopolitical uncertainty.Investors remain focused on economic signals and corporate developments as Wall Street navigates a mix of earnings news, policy shifts, and geopolitical concerns ahead of the jobs report later this week.
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