Company Interview / the open: ASX to open higher, gold hits record

The local market is set to open higher with ASX futures up 10 points. This comes after what was a mixed session on global equity markets overnight, while gold and Bitcoin surged to new record highs on political uncertainty. 

Wall Street saw the Nasdaq and the S&P 500 reach new records as AI related dealmaking boosted investor sentiment, despite the extended US government shutdown. Tesla advanced after the EV maker teased an event scheduled for later today when it is expected to unveil its much-awaited cheaper car - a stripped down version of its best-selling Model Y midsize SUV. 

Political turmoil has become a focus for markets in the US as the federal government shutdown has extended into a sixth day as lawmakers fail to break a deadlock. Meanwhile, in France new Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has resigned barely 14 hours after appointing his cabinet. 

The US dollar index is up 0.4% on the day, while the Euro has slipped and the Yen is at a two month low against the greenback. The Australian dollar has climbed to US66.2 cents.