The ASX200 slipped only a few points, staying near flat after a 1.4 % September loss and an 8 % YTD gain. Drivers were the first US government shutdown in seven years and mixed sector moves – utilities and industrials led, while consumer discretionary lagged. DroneShield exploded 600 % YTD, while lithium miners fell. Look ahead to US payroll data, the RBA stability report and Chinese holidays.

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