As government employees return to work after, after 16 days off, market participants are left to wonder what end-off-the-world scenario our fearless leaders in Washington will drum up next.

As government employees return to work after, after 16 days off, market participants are left to wonder what end-off-the-world scenario our fearless leaders in Washington will drum up next. For now, focus will shift to tomorrows release of the NFP/Unemployment Rate data that was supposed to be released earlier this month. However, the data could be a moot point form a monetary policy standpoint. A few Fed members have already voiced their opinions regarding QE tapering and given the events of the past two weeks it’s looking less likely that next week’s FOMC meeting will yield any action in the near term. Investors will take in more third-quarter earnings reports, as equity markets look to push even higher, and the National Association of Realtors will release existing home sales data at 10 a.m. ET.  The precious complex has been able to hold last week’s gains fairly well. Silver is the stand-out performer thus far, up nearly 2% after closing last week at $21.913. Palladium is outshining platinum at the moment, up nearly 1% to $748. Have a great day!