Wall Street’s major indices started the week higher on Monday, boosted by signals of movement in Washington to resolve the ongoing US government shutdown. The impasse has halted the release of official economic data and fuelled growing concerns over the nation’s financial health.

At the opening bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 108.0 points, or 0.23%, to 47,095.06. The S&P 500 rose 56.6 points, or 0.84%, to 6,785.36​, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 350.3 points, or 1.52%, to 23,354.853.

Bullion Market

Gold prices climbed on Monday as disappointing economic figures from the United States increased market expectations for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut next month. The precious metal received further support from a weaker US dollar.

By 11:38 GMT, spot gold gained 2.1%, reaching $4,082.17 per ounce. US gold futures for December delivery were also up 2%, trading at $4,090.50 per ounce.

The wider precious metals sector saw similar advances: spot silver rose 3.4% to $49.95 per ounce, platinum gained 1.7% to $1,571.10, and palladium added 2.2%, trading at $1,410.48.