US equity indexes were lower on Tuesday as inflation expectations rose while the ongoing federal government shutdown extended into its second week.
* US consumers expect inflation to rise 3.4% over the next year, up from 3.2% in August, according to a survey released Tuesday by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. That marks the highest one-year outlook in five months, Trading Economics data showed.
* Consumer confidence declined slightly in October, with the RealClearMarkets monthly index slipping to 48.3 from 48.7 in September, its lowest level since May, Trading Economics reported. The reading missed market expectations of 49.3 and marked the second straight month below the neutral 50 threshold, indicating persistent consumer pessimism.
* November West Texas Intermediate crude oil rose $0.38 to settle at $62.07 per barrel, while December Brent crude, the global benchmark, was last seen up $0.31 to $65.78.
* PayPal (PYPL) shares were up about 4.7% after the company said Tuesday it is introducing an advertising platform designed to help small businesses monetize store traffic through its payments network.
* Ford (F) shares fell 6.1% after The Wall Street Journal reported Monday that a fire at Novelis' aluminum plant in Oswego, New York, could disrupt production. The facility supplies several automakers, including Toyota (TM) and Stellantis (STLA), with Ford identified as its largest customer.