Global Stock Markets Rise Despite Prolonged U.S. Government Shutdown

Global equity markets continued to rise despite the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, with investors largely unfazed by the political stalemate and its impact on economic data releases. European stocks edged higher, buoyed by gains in mining companies and optimistic U.S. sales reports, while U.S. indices hit record highs supported by passive flows and positive sentiment. Market participants have turned to alternative data sources due to the shutdown delaying key employment and economic reports, though official government data remains the gold standard for assessing economic conditions. Healthcare stocks outperformed amid easing concerns over drug pricing policies, and emerging market tech stocks rallied on renewed optimism around AI. Despite the shutdown and uncertainty around U.S. fiscal policy, fixed income yields and the dollar remained stable, with some caution around prolonged government closure effects on economic growth and public finances. Overall, the market's positive momentum reflects investor confidence in central bank policies and corporate earnings, even as geopolitical and domestic challenges persist.