Stocks Open Sharply Lower, Government Shutdown Looms

Stocks were sharply lower at the open on Monday as a last-minute deal to resolve a budget battle in Washington
appeared less likely, increasing the chances of a partial government shutdown. The Dow Jones Industrial Average
lately fell 154.32 points, or 1.01%, to 15,103.92. The S&P 500 Index shed 14.13 points, or 0.84%, to 1,677.62. The
Nasdaq Composite dropped 36.40 points, or 0.96%, to 3,745.19.

The federal government moved closer to its first shutdown in 17 years after the Republican-led House voted early
Sunday to delay President Barack Obama’s health-care law by one year as part of legislation to keep the government
running.
Twitter Inc plans to make its IPO filing public this week, news website Quartz reported on Sunday, citing a person
familiar with the social media network’s plan.

Whatever damage Apple Inc. (AAPL) has sustained in the stock market as its hyper-growth slows to more modest
levels, it still owns the most valuable brand in the world. In the annual Interbrand survey, that value rose 28% to
$98.3 billion. Google Inc. (GOOG) trailed in second place, up 34% to $93.3 billion. One of the world’s older
brands, Coca-Cola Co. (KO) posted third, up only 2% to $79.2 billion.