US markets ended lower overnight, with the Dow slipping 0.20%, S&P 500 down 0.38%, and Nasdaq falling 0.67%. Sentiment was weighed by weaker-than-expected Oracle earnings and a prolonged political gridlock in Washington, marking the seventh day of a partial government shutdown. AI-related tech and semiconductor stocks saw renewed volatility as investors reassessed high valuations. The cautious trading tone reflects broader market unease amid earnings pressure and ongoing uncertainty in US fiscal negotiations.