U.S. government shutdown
A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the administration from firing more than 4,100 federal employees during the shutdown that began October 1.
Source: apnews.com
A judge blocked the administration from firing more than 4,100 federal employees during the U.S. government shutdown, which continues to disrupt airports and delay key economic data. Markets rose on strong big‑bank earnings while oil fell; gold hovered near record highs as Fed officials signaled further cuts may be warranted. U.S.–China strains deepened with expanded rare‑earth export controls; abroad, a fragile Gaza ceasefire held as Ukraine imposed emergency power cuts after Russian strikes.
Shutdown impacts
Airport staffing shortages caused intermittent delays in multiple hubs, and the flow of key federal economic data is disrupted; the September CPI release is now slated for October 24.
Source: ajot.comMarkets
Strong big‑bank earnings helped lift U.S. stocks, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq higher, while oil fell to five‑month lows on surplus fears.
Source: wsj.comGold near record highs
Safe‑haven demand amid trade tensions and Fed‑cut expectations kept bullion around record levels above $4,200/oz.
Source: wsj.comFed signals
Boston Fed’s Susan Collins and Governor Stephen Miran said additional rate cuts may be warranted to support the labor market; the Fed delivered a 25 bp cut in September to 4.00%–4.25%.
Source: reuters.comU.S.–China strains
Beijing expanded rare‑earth export controls, tightening licenses and targeting defense and semiconductor users; Washington warned of broader decoupling risks as companies assessed supply impacts.
Source: investing.comCorporate reaction
Foxconn said China’s new rare‑earth curbs have limited short‑term impact for now but warned prolonged restrictions could bite.
Source: reuters.comGaza
A U.S.-brokered ceasefire that took effect October 11 remains fragile; aid trucks resumed entering Gaza as disputes over hostage remains eased, while Washington pressed Hamas to stop abuses and disarm.
Source: reutersconnect.comUkraine
After intensified Russian strikes on energy infrastructure, Kyiv imposed emergency power cuts across most regions and appealed for more air defenses.
Source: reuters.comPentagon press access
Dozens of reporters vacated Pentagon offices after refusing to sign new access rules viewed as threatening press freedom; credentials were pulled for non‑signers.
Source: reuters.comSpaceX
The 11th Starship test flight succeeded on October 13, with Super Heavy splashing down in the Gulf of Mexico and Starship in the Indian Ocean, advancing NASA lunar‑lander milestones.
Source: reuters.comChile quake
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck near Chile’s central coast; assessments of damage were ongoing.
Source: reuters.com