US markets edge lower amid political deadlock and earnings concerns

U.S. equities closed slightly lower, with the S&P 500 down 0.3%, Dow slipping 0.2%, and Nasdaq falling 0.4%. Market sentiment was pressured by ongoing government shutdown uncertainty and mixed earnings reports from technology and semiconductor companies. Sector rotation and cautious positioning drove volatility, as investors weighed AI-chip market swings and policy risks. Despite indexes hovering near monthly highs, the pullback highlights persistent caution across U.S. and global trading desks, reflecting concerns about corporate profitability and fiscal stability.