3 Things That Will Move the Markets Today – 10/01/2025
Markets push higher as U.S. stocks hit records despite government shutdown, gold surges to fresh highs, and UK stocks rise on pharma rally.
10/1/20251 min read
1. U.S. Stocks Defy Government Shutdown Fears
Despite the U.S. federal government entering a shutdown today, major U.S. stock indexes reversed early weakness to close at record highs. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq rose by 0.3% and 0.4% respectively, as investors shrugged off concerns over halted government operations and delayed economic data releases. Risk appetite remains elevated even amid ongoing policy uncertainty.
2. Gold Hits Record Highs Amid Risk-Off Moves
In the backdrop of the shutdown and weaker labour market data, investors sought refuge in traditional safe havens. Gold climbed to a new high near $3,895 per ounce, underscoring the elevated demand for protection in the current environment of policy uncertainty and fiscal stress.
3. UK’s FTSE 100 Climbs on Pharma Rally
The UK’s FTSE 100 index closed at a fresh intraday and weekly high, buoyed by pharmaceutical stocks like AstraZeneca, which surged after avoiding threatened U.S. tariffs. The rally helped offset weakness elsewhere and signalled strong global interest in defensive sectors.
🐝QUICK TAKE (Buzz Summary)
U.S. stocks shrug off shutdown, gold rockets, UK pharma powers FTSE record.