Global Markets React to China Data, European M&A, and Political Stalemates

Economic Indicators - China's aggregate financing for September reached 30.09 trillion CNY, exceeding the estimated 29.905 trillion CNY and the previous month's 26.556 trillion CNY, indicating stronger-than-expected credit expansion [3][8] - New yuan loans for September were 14.750 trillion CNY, slightly below the estimated 14.919 trillion CNY but an increase from the prior month's 13.459 trillion CNY [3][8] - The M2 money supply grew by 8.4% year-over-year, slightly missing the 8.5% estimate and down from the previous 8.8% [4] - M1 money supply saw a robust increase of 7.2% year-over-year, exceeding the 6.1% estimate and the previous 6.0% [4][8] - M0 money supply rose by 11.5% year-over-year, matching the previous month's growth [4] U.S. Government Shutdown - The U.S. federal government is in its 15th day of shutdown due to a failure to pass appropriations legislation for the 2026 fiscal year, resulting in furloughs for approximately 900,000 federal employees and 700,000 working without pay [5][8] European Telecommunications Sector - Altice France rejected a €17 billion ($19.7 billion) bid from a consortium led by Bouygues for its SFR mobile unit, highlighting ongoing challenges in the French telecom market [6][8] UK Financial Regulation Changes - The UK's financial regulators announced plans to cut the bonus deferral period for senior bankers from eight to four years, effective October 16, 2025, aiming to enhance competitiveness and align with other jurisdictions [9][8] European Defense Initiatives - The European Union is advancing a military plan for 2026, focusing on drone and air defense projects amidst rising security concerns and a push for increased industrial integration [7][8]