Stocks Post Gains on Mixed US Economic News

Economic Indicators - The US August JOLTS job openings rose by 19,000 to 7.227 million, indicating a stronger labor market than the expected 7.200 million [2] - The September MNI Chicago PMI unexpectedly fell by 0.9 to 40.6, weaker than the expected increase to 43.3 [2] - The Conference Board US September consumer confidence index fell by 3.6 to a 5-month low of 94.2, weaker than expectations of 96.0 [1][3] Stock Market Performance - Stock indexes are trading higher despite the risks of a US government shutdown, with the S&P 500 Index up by 0.25%, the Dow Jones up by 0.06%, and the Nasdaq 100 up by 0.12% [5][4] - Rising corporate earnings expectations are a bullish backdrop for stocks, with over 22% of S&P 500 companies providing guidance for Q3 earnings that are expected to beat analysts' expectations [7] Sector Movements - Chipmakers are supporting the broader market, with Nvidia up more than 2% and other semiconductor stocks also showing gains [14] - Energy producers are sliding, with WTI crude oil prices down by more than 1%, affecting companies like Baker Hughes and Schlumberger, which are down more than 4% [13] Tariff and Trade News - President Trump ordered 10% tariffs on imports of softwood timber and lumber, and 25% tariffs on kitchen cabinets and other wood products, set to take effect on October 14 [5] - Market focus this week will be on any new trade or tariff news, with expectations for the September ADP employment change to increase by 51,000 [8]