It would be difficult to write about this week’s events without mentioning the government shutdown (our commentary on the markets here and here). Interestingly enough, the S&P 500 has essentially remained unchanged this week, but with the debt ceiling upon us, there might be a not so nice ending. In the managed futures space, there wasn’t much to note, other than the CME stating livestock and dairy futures could be affected if the shutdown continues for a prolonged period of time.  As we head into the weekend, here’s a nice three minute video explaining the true definition of the debt ceiling.

• The Debt Ceiling Explained – (Youtube)
• Investors turn their backs on “robot” hedge funds – (Reuters)
• If your money is in a fund controlled by robots, you’ve lost 3.5% this year – (QZ)
• Potbelly goes Public, the Art of the First Day – (Stocktwits)

Lots of Fun this Week:

• Any Animal That Touches This Lethal Lake Turns to Stone – (Gizmodo)
• Condi Rice expected on (NCAA Football) playoff panel – (Associated Press)
• An Old House Lover Needs To Save This Historic Gold Coast Rowhouse – (Chicago Magazine)
• Our finance editor says goodbye; The end of the affair – (The Economist)
• Ferris Bueller Explains The Government Shutdown – (Buzzfeed)