Stock market today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq steady after latest record-setting rally

Group 1: Market Overview - US stocks experienced a slight increase, with the S&P 500 rising approximately 0.1% following a record close, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average also saw a gain of more than 0.1% [1] - The Nasdaq Composite traded just below the flatline, indicating mixed performance among major indices [1] Group 2: Gold Market - The rally in gold paused amid signs of profit-taking, reflecting a muted market mood due to the ongoing federal shutdown affecting scheduled data releases [2] - The focus has shifted towards upcoming earnings reports for insights into the economy's health and expectations surrounding an AI boom [2] Group 3: Company Earnings - PepsiCo reported quarterly profit and revenue beats, marking the beginning of the third-quarter earnings season, with significant bank reports expected next week [3] - Delta Air Lines is also scheduled to release its results on the same day [3] Group 4: Federal Reserve Insights - Investors are keenly awaiting comments from Chair Jerome Powell at the Federal Reserve's bank conference, following optimistic minutes from the September policy meeting that indicated agreement on at least two more rate cuts this year [4]