Morning Business Report: Markets steady despite shutdown as Wall Street watches for longer-term risks

Financial markets have largely shrugged off the federal government shutdown, but analysts warn that could change if the impasse drags on.

(LILAMAX)- Financial markets have largely shrugged off the federal government shutdown, but analysts warn that could change if the impasse drags on. A prolonged closure would stall the release of key economic data, leaving investors without crucial indicators to guide decisions. Economists also caution that extended disruption could lead to hundreds of thousands of permanent job losses and cuts to federal programs.

In labor news, U.S. job openings in August rose only slightly, while layoffs declined. Still, the job market has lost momentum this year amid tariffs, economic uncertainty, and the rise of artificial intelligence.

Wall Street continues to trend higher: the Dow closed at a record high Tuesday, with stocks broadly climbing. Even September — historically the worst month for markets — ended on a positive note this year.

Outside of Wall Street, a new Talker Research survey highlights the scale of digital fraud. The average American faces about 100 scam attempts per month, including nine robocalls, nine spam emails, and seven scam texts weekly. U.S. users now lead globally in spam emails, with inboxes averaging more than 350 messages. Most respondents reported deleting or blocking senders immediately.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump announced a deal with Pfizer to voluntarily cut U.S. drug prices. Under the agreement, Pfizer will sell medications to Medicaid patients at the lowest prices offered in other developed nations, through a new website dubbed TrumpRx.gov. The company also secured a three-year exemption from pharmaceutical-specific tariffs, provided it expands U.S. manufacturing investment.