Strong earnings performances from Delta Air Lines and other market leaders are propelling the S&P 500 to new heights despite ongoing political gridlock, as the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF hit a record 618.77 while the U.S. government shutdown enters its ninth day. Delta’s impressive Q3 beat and optimistic Q4 guidance sparked a 7% premarket surge, demonstrating corporate resilience in the face of macroeconomic uncertainty, while Tilray surprised investors by breaking even when analysts expected losses.