Asian Markets Rise as U.S. Shutdown Looms

Asian stocks mostly gained on Monday, while the dollar eased as investors braced for a possible U.S. government shutdown that could delay key economic data. President Trump is set to meet congressional leaders later Monday, with funding set to expire Wednesday alongside new tariffs on trucks and pharmaceuticals.

Analysts warn a prolonged closure could complicate the Fed’s October 29 meeting, though markets still price in a 90% chance of a rate cut. U.S. futures edged higher, while Japan’s Nikkei slipped 0.8% but remains up 5% for September. Chinese blue chips gained ahead of Golden Week, and South Korea’s KOSPI jumped 1.3%.

The dollar weakened, with the yen firming to 148.92. Gold hit a fresh record at $3,798 an ounce, while oil prices fell as Kurdish exports resumed and OPEC+ prepared to raise output.