Wealthion Macro Bites 9/30/25

With just hours to go until tonight’s midnight deadline, a U.S. government shutdown appears all but certain.  Lawmakers appear no closer to a deal following yesterday’s White House meeting with Democrats still demanding extension of health-care subsidies and reversal of Medicare funding cuts and Republicans insisting on a clean resolution. 

The Trump administration is studying plans to acquire warrants granting it the right to acquire shares in companies producing critical minerals.  More than a dozen Australian mining firms held meetings with various Washington agencies earlier this month as the administration seeks equity-like stakes without having to put up cash.

President Trump signed a proclamation instituting 10% sectoral tariffs on imported timber and lumber and 25% duties on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities and upholstered furniture to take effect October 14.  Trump’s proclamation follows a Section 232 review concluding timber, lumber and furniture imports are eroding national security.

In a sign Beijing is worried about China’s growth outlook, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) will deploy 550B yuan ($70B) of policy-based financial tools to accelerate specific investment projects.  NDRC will urge local authorities to speed up project starts and construction, boost effective investment, and support stable growth.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed Monday to support President Trump’s 20-point plan to end the war in the Gaza Strip with both leaders suggesting Hamas must accept the deal or Israel will have the “full backing” of the U.S. to eliminate the terrorist group.

Euro Stoxx 50 -0.27%, S&P futures -0.18% and Nasdaq futures -0.15%.  After reaching a new all-time high ($3871.72) this morning, spot gold is trading -0.5% ($3,814).  Spot silver -1.5%.