Upcoming company earnings and economic data are expected to be key factors for markets in the week ahead. The government shutdown has caused a delay in the release of certain economic data. Gold futures have continued to rally, hitting new record highs, supported by a weakened US dollar, global policy uncertainty, and central bank purchases. The unofficial start of the third-quarter earnings season will begin with 10 companies reporting, including PepsiCo, Delta Air Lines, and Constellation Brands. Key economic data releases to monitor include FOMC minutes, jobless claims, and the possibility of non-farm payrolls.