Government Shutdown Continues, Fed Chair List Narrows, NVDA's Big Week

Market Overview - The ongoing government shutdown is causing volatility in the markets, with the S&P 500 and NASDAQ 100 remaining positive, while the Dow is slightly weaker [1][2][3] - Small-cap stocks are also experiencing similar trends, indicating a mixed market response to the shutdown [2][3] Asset Class Performance - There is a rebound in gold and Bitcoin, suggesting continued investment flows despite the shutdown [4] - The liquidity in the market is high, with significant capital seeking investment opportunities, which may lead to a risk-on mentality if the shutdown is resolved soon [5] Economic Indicators - Consumer sentiment data is expected to be released, but recent trends show a decline in these numbers, which may not significantly impact the equity markets [6][9] - The prediction markets indicate a likelihood of the government shutdown lasting closer to a month, which could pressure lawmakers to reach a resolution [7][8] Federal Reserve Insights - The Federal Reserve is closely monitoring consumer sentiment and other economic indicators, with potential rate cuts already priced in by the markets [10][11] - The selection process for the new Fed chair is ongoing, with several candidates being considered, including Michelle Bowman and Waller, while Rick Reer is emerging as a potential dark horse [13][17][19] Company Focus: Nvidia - Nvidia's stock has reached record highs despite challenges related to China’s import controls on chips, indicating strong demand for their products [20][25] - The company is navigating complex negotiations with China, which may impact future sales and market dynamics [22][24]