Here’s what’s happening in the stock market today:
The stock market is showing a cautiously optimistic tone today as investors navigate the ongoing U.S. government shutdown entering its second week. 📈 Despite the political uncertainty, futures for the Dow Jones are up about 0.2%, S&P 500 futures have climbed 0.3%, and Nasdaq 100 futures are leading with a 0.6% gain, supported by strength in technology and AI-related stocks. Bitcoin and gold are hitting new record highs, reflecting investor demand for safe havens, while oil prices have risen slightly following an OPEC+ production increase announcement. ⚡💹
Major Indices Performance 📊
S&P 500 futures are up about 0.3%, building on the index's recent all-time highs.
Dow Jones Industrial Average futures gained 0.2%, following the index's record closing last week.
Nasdaq 100 futures are up 0.6%, led by strong tech sector momentum.
Market Movers 🚀
Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) stock is soaring over 25% premarket after announcing a major partnership with OpenAI, generating excitement in the AI and semiconductor sectors.
Tesla shares are also up, fueled by anticipation of a Tuesday event possibly unveiling a more affordable electric vehicle model.
Regional bank stocks rallied after Fifth Third Bancorp announced it is being acquired by Comerica in an $11 billion all-stock deal.
Key Events Driving the Market 🗞️
The U.S. government shutdown drags on, causing some economic data releases like the September jobs report to be postponed. However, this political risk is currently seen as a temporary hurdle rather than a market barrier.
The 10-year Treasury yield rose slightly to around 4.16%, influencing borrowing costs.
OPEC and partners announced a modest production increase for November, pushing oil futures near $62 per barrel.
Global political instability includes France entering a political crisis after the Prime Minister’s resignation, while Japan saw its Nikkei index surge nearly 5% to a record high on a potential new leader.
Investor Sentiment 👀
The market mood balances optimism and caution, with investors cheering strong corporate partnerships and deal activity while staying wary of ongoing political uncertainty and delayed economic data. The rally reflects confidence in technology growth and the belief that the shutdown will soon resolve, with many viewing any weakness as a buying opportunity. 🐂💼
Where to Invest $100,000 According to Experts
Investors face a dilemma. Headlines everywhere say tariffs and AI hype are distorting public markets.
Now, the S&P is trading at over 30x earnings—a level historically linked to crashes.
And the Fed is lowering rates, potentially adding fuel to the fire.
Bloomberg asked where experts would personally invest $100,000 for their September edition. One surprising answer? Art.
It’s what billionaires like Bezos, Gates, and the Rockefellers have used to diversify for decades.
Why?
Contemporary art prices have appreciated 11.2% annually on average
…And with one of the lowest correlations to stocks of any major asset class (Masterworks data, 1995-2024).
Ultra-high net worth collectors (>$50M) allocated 25% of their portfolios to art on average. (UBS, 2024)
Thanks to the world’s premiere art investing platform, now anyone can access works by legends like Banksy, Basquiat, and Picasso—without needing millions. Want in? Shares in new offerings can sell quickly but…
*Past performance is not indicative of future returns. Important Reg A disclosures: masterworks.com/cd.
TRADE OF THE DAY:
APP
Name: Applovin Corporation
Symbol: APP
Current Price: ~$661.50
Trade
Sell to Open: 1 APP Oct 24, 2025 575/570 Put Vertical
Total Credit Received: $45.00
Credit per Contract: $45.00
Direction: Bullish (expects APP to stay above break-even level)
Probability of Profit (PoP): 84.06%
Potential ROI:
Max Risk (Loss): $455.00
ROI: ($45 ÷ $455) × 100 ≈ 9.9%
Trade Explained in Simple English:
You’re selling the 575-strike put and buying the 570-strike put, both expiring October 24, 2025, for a total credit of $45.00. Your break-even point is about $574.55 (575 − 0.45). If APP stays above that level, you keep the full credit. Your maximum loss is capped at $455.00 if APP closes below $570.00 at expiration. This is a bullish strategy that profits if APP remains above the short strike.
Wall Street Highlights:
News Beyond the Numbers
Micron Technology stock rose 4% in premarket trading after Morgan Stanley upgraded its rating to "overweight," reflecting optimism on AI infrastructure growth. Read more.
Coinbase applied for a federal trust banking license while clarifying it has no ambitions to become a traditional bank, signaling a shift in crypto financial services. Read more.
Blackstone and Lunate launched a $5 billion logistics platform in Abu Dhabi, expanding private equity presence in Middle Eastern infrastructure investments. Read more.
Citi, Goldman Sachs, and MUFG were involved in a $2.6 billion loss due to a complex trade, highlighting ongoing risks in large-scale financial trading. Read more.
Monzo is considering a new attempt to secure a US banking license, indicating continued ambitions for expansion into the American financial market. Read more.
Disclaimer: The content provided by OptionPicks is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. We are not registered as a broker-dealer, investment adviser, or financial advisor with the SEC, FINRA, or any other regulatory authority. Options trading involves substantial risk and is not suitable for every investor. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and no representation is being made that any subscriber will or is likely to achieve profits or incur losses similar to those mentioned. You should consult with a licensed financial professional before making any investment decisions.
