10 things you need to know before the opening bell

Wall Street retreated on Wednesday, the second day of a partial U.S. government shutdown, as political wrangling in Washington raised investor concerns that the stoppage could be prolonged. (Reuters)

The Asian share markets flatlined on Thursday as the US government shutdown dragged on with no obvious end in sight, stirring unease about the country’s economy and its debt ceiling.(Reuters)

The dollar languished at eight-month lows early in Asia on Thursday as the US government shutdown dragged on, while positive developments in Italian politics and a watchful but patient European Central Bank helped lift the euro.(Reuters)

Gold held on to sharp gains from the previous session in early Asian trading on Thursday as weak US economic data and a partial government shutdown raised hopes the Federal Reserve would stick to its bullion-friendly stimulus for longer.(Reuters)

Oil prices edged off after a jump on Wednesday. Brent crude for November eased 28 cents to $108.91 a barrel, while US crude dipped 44 cents to $103.67.(Reuters)

SGX Nifty futures were up 0.4 percent at 5855, indicating a steady opening for shares on domestic bourses.

Stocks in news

Glenmark Pharma, after a report in the Economic Times that the company is looking to sell oral contraceptive arm.

Financial Technologies, after the corporate affairs ministry ordered inspection of accounts of the company and its arm National Spot Exchange Ltd.

Economy news

The US shutdown enters the second day as there is no end in sight for the stand-off between the Democrats and the Republicans over the next year’s budget.

Indian Finance Minister P Chidambaram told the Economic Times that he expects the economy to pick up steam in the second half and sees this year’s growth around 5-5.5 percent.