Dow Sets Fresh Record as Shutdown Vote Looms in Congress

The Dow Jones Industrial Average pushed to a new all-time high as investors bet that a long-awaited U.S. government funding deal is finally within reach. Optimism around an imminent House vote to end the shutdown helped extend the recent relief rally, lifting blue-chip names and boosting broader risk sentiment.

The Dow outperformed other major indices as investors rotated into large, established companies seen as relative safe havens within equities. At the same time, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq also advanced, though gains were more measured amid lingering caution around economic data gaps and stretched valuations in some growth sectors.

Hopes that the shutdown will soon be resolved eased fears of lasting damage to business confidence and consumer sentiment. Traders are also looking ahead to the return of delayed economic releases — particularly jobs and inflation figures — which will help refine expectations for the Federal Reserve’s next moves on interest rates.

For now, markets appear willing to reward any sign of political progress. But if the vote in the House is delayed or the deal faces unexpected resistance, the record-setting Dow could quickly become vulnerable to another bout of volatility.