- The government shutdown drags on, stalling key economic reports and leaving the Fed and markets short on fresh data.
 
			 
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				- Markets still expect the Fed to cut its policy rate at next week's meeting, and investors anticipate a 3rd cut for the year in December.
 
			 
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				- Consumers expect to spend $890 per person on the holidays this year, down from $902 in 2024, per a National Retail Federation survey.
 
			 
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