US Markets Plunge as Government Shutdown Looms: Futures Slide
US Markets Plunge as Government Shutdown Looms: Futures Slide US stock futures are extending losses as Washington approaches a government shutdown, with a crucial stopgap funding bill failing to pass. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 index futures have both fallen, reflecting growing investor concern over the political deadlock. Contracts for the S&P 500 dropped 0.3% following what had been its best September in 15 years. Meanwhile, the dollar edged higher after three days of declines, and gold maintained its…