The Federal Reserve is expected to cut its benchmark rate by 25 basis points today, bringing it to a range of 3.75%-4%. Policymakers are moving to support the economy amid signs of a cooling labor market and subdued inflation, even as data gaps from delayed government reports cloud the outlook. The decision reflects a precautionary step to sustain growth and maintain confidence while leaving the door open for further adjustments if economic conditions weaken.

Treasurys have seen a significant drop in volatility recently, but investors are eyeing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's upcoming news conference for potential changes. With policymakers divided on interest rates amid a softening labor market and persistent inflation, any hawkish comments from Powell could push 10-year yields above 4%.

A stronger earnings outlook for artificial intelligence companies is easing concerns that the AI-driven global equity rally is a bubble. SK Hynix and Advantest have reported robust earnings, reflecting increased demand, while Nvidia has surged more than 8.5% in Asia after President Donald Trump said he would discuss Nvidia's Blackwell chip with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung have finalized a trade deal involving $150 billion in shipbuilding investments and a $200 billion investment pledge. The deal caps US tariffs on South Korean goods at 15% and allows South Korea to fund investments through equity, loans and loan guarantees.

Optimism over a potential trade agreement between the US and China boosted the US dollar on Wednesday. President Donald Trump, ahead of a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, expressed confidence in reaching a "great deal" when they meet later on this week. China's recent purchase of US soybeans also indicated easing tensions.

The Senate has failed for the 13th time to pass a bill to reopen the federal government, pushing the shutdown into its fourth week. The ongoing impasse is drawing increasing criticism from the largest federal worker union and continues to stall other legislative efforts. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits are at risk of running out, prompting Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Ark., to propose a bill to fund the program.

New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and New York City Comptroller Brad Lander are calling on Tesla shareholders to reject Elon Musk's proposed $1 trillion pay package at the company's Nov. 6 annual meeting and vote against the reelection of all Tesla directors, citing a lack of independent oversight and accountability. The New York State Common Retirement Fund and the five New York City pension funds together hold over 6 million shares of Tesla, valued at more than $2.4 billion.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority's $2.9 billion Penn Station Access project, which aims to connect New York City's northern suburbs to Penn Station, faces a three-year delay because of insufficient access to Amtrak's infrastructure. The project, initially set for completion by the end of 2027, is now expected to finish in the second quarter of 2030. The MTA is seeking to have 50% of the new Metro-North service operating in 2027.

Shifting your perspective on difficult coworkers can help you address the situation, writes Justin Hale from Crucial Conversations, by looking at how you interact with the other person. "In my experience, the more negative your judgment of another person, the worse your behavior is likely to be when working/talking with him or her," Hale writes.