DOW Futures indicate a positive trajectory, as investors appear to dismiss the uncertainties surrounding a prolonged U.S. government shutdown, which is expected to result in the delay of important economic data releases. Markets will have to rely on a private measure of services sector activity. In other developments, shares of chip equipment manufacturer Applied Materials experienced a decline in afterhours trading subsequent to the company’s announcement that new U.S. export restrictions are expected to negatively impact its revenue.

DOW Futures exhibited an upward trajectory on Friday, following the another session marked by record highs, notwithstanding the increased uncertainty stemming from a persistent government shutdown and postponed payrolls data. Technology stocks provided the most significant uplift, with ongoing optimism surrounding artificial intelligence bolstering shares in chipmakers. However, the overall gains seemed to be diminishing as the shutdown in Washington looked poised to extend into a third consecutive day. S&P 500 futures increased by 16 points, reflecting a 0.2% rise, while Nasdaq 100 futures saw a modest gain of 68 points, or 0.3%, as of 03:49. Futures on the Dow Jones increased by 101 points, representing a rise of 0.2%.

In light of the shutdown, investors will predominantly rely on data from the Institute for Supply Management to assess activity within the crucial U.S. services sector this Friday. The shutdown has effectively extinguished expectations that the crucial monthly nonfarm payrolls report will be released as initially scheduled on Friday. The Federal Reserve has been closely monitoring labor market data, with policymakers considering a potential series of rate cuts to stimulate hiring and investment, though this approach carries the risk of increasing inflationary pressures. Nonetheless, the ISM’s non-manufacturing purchasing managers index for September may offer valuable insights into the impact of extensive U.S. tariffs on a sector of the economy that constitutes a significant portion of overall output. The figure is projected to decline to 51.8, down from 52.0 in August. A reading exceeding 50 signifies expansion.

Applied Materials has indicated that it anticipates new U.S. export restrictions will lead to a revenue decline of around $110 million in the fourth quarter of its current fiscal year and $600 million in fiscal 2026. In a recent filing, the chip equipment manufacturer indicated that the expansion of Washington’s restricted export list would complicate the process of exporting certain products and providing specific parts and services to particular customers located in China. On Monday, the U.S. Department of Commerce expanded its blacklist to encompass majority-owned subsidiaries of publicly listed firms, aiming to restrict the evasion of U.S. export regulations via smaller entities and affiliates. Applied Materials refrained from providing specifics regarding the products or services that will be affected by the restrictions, nor did it disclose the particular customers that will experience the consequences of the changes. Applied Materials experienced a decline of approximately 2.7% during after-hours trading.

Gold prices appeared poised to achieve a seventh consecutive weekly rise, supported by expectations of additional Federal Reserve interest rate cuts and apprehensions regarding a prolonged U.S. government shutdown. Despite concerns that the shutdown may postpone the release of key economic indicators, markets continue to be largely convinced that the Fed will reduce interest rates once more at its upcoming policy meeting later this month. Spot gold experienced a 0.2% increase, reaching $3,864.40 per ounce, while December gold futures rose by 0.5% to $3,887.22 per ounce as of 04:00. Bullion, typically exhibiting stronger performance in low interest rate conditions, has surged by approximately 47% year-to-date.

Oil prices experienced an upward movement; however, they remain poised for their most significant weekly decline since late June, driven by market anticipations that the OPEC+ producer group may increase output further. Brent futures increased by 1.1%, reaching $64.78 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures also saw a rise of 1.1%, settling at $61.16 per barrel. Both benchmarks declined by nearly 2%, reaching their lowest point since early June in the prior session, and were on track for a nearly 8% drop for the week. Sentiment continues to be cautious following reports earlier this week indicating that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, referred to as OPEC+, may raise production by as much as 500,000 barrels per day in November, a figure three times the amount added this month.