Global Markets Mixed as US Government Shutdown Nears End; Oil Prices Rise

Imagine the stock market is like a big school assembly where everyone is watching to see what happens next.

Right now, it's a bit mixed.

In America, politicians are close to ending a long break, like a school having too many snow days, which is making people feel more hopeful.

This good feeling is pushing up the prices of US stocks.

In Asia, some stock markets are doing well because the prices of companies that make smart computer programs (AI) have come down a bit, making them more attractive.

Oil prices are also going up, partly because people think that when the US government opens again, more people will use oil.

However, some people are still worried about having too much oil in the world and about new rules affecting oil from Russia.

The value of the US dollar is also slightly up compared to other money.

Gold, which people often buy when they are worried, has gone down a little from its highest price.