Why the shopping line you’re not in always moves faster

The U.S. budget deficit, which has been a point of discussion among economists and investors, recently received a downgrade in credit rating from Fitch Ratings agency, citing expected fiscal deterioration, a high and growing general government debt burden, and erosion of governance.

Early in the week, markets notched steady gains as investors awaited key economic indicators and monitored ongoing trade discussions. Megacap tech names—particularly AI chipmakers—led the broader market higher, as sentiment stayed bullish on prospects for a U.S.-China trade deal.

Mixed economic data are marginally improving investor sentiment despite lackluster earnings reports following strong equity market gains yesterday. However, stocks are on track to close out October firmly in the red.