Stocks drop, gold surges as Wall Street on edge at start of US government shutdown

1. S&P 500 and Nasdaq indexes fell as investors assess government shutdown effects. 2. ADP reported a 32,000 job cut in September, missing forecasts. 3. Gold prices peaked over $3,900, driven by safe-haven demand. 4. Historically, S&P 500 has fared well during government shutdowns. 5. Labor Department shutdown delays key employment data release.