The Stock Market was on track to open with losses Wednesday amid a U.S. government shutdown that went into effect just after midnight, the Associated Press reports.
Indexes were down today after markets closed out a fifth consecutive winning month on Tuesday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average hitting an all-time high.
Markets had appeared to be taking a potential government shutdown in stride; past U.S. government shutdowns have had a limited impact on the economy and stock market, and many investors expect something similar this time around.
On Wednesday, futures for the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.5%, while Nasdaq futures were down 0.6%.
Lithium Americas jumped more than 32% overnight after the U.S. government confirmed speculation that it would take a 5% equity stake in the company.
Utility and power generator AES climbed 10% on media reports that the Virginia company was near a deal to be acquired by BlackRock subsidiary Global Infrastructure Partners.
