<h1>Global stocks hit records as Middle East ceasefire pause, AI rally and big tech earnings lift markets despite shutdown drag</h1> Global equities mostly rose and oil eased after a ceasefire pause was agreed between the warring Middle East parties to allow hostage releases in exchange for prisoner swaps, easing regional risk. US benchmark and major indexes hit records, supported by persistent AI-driven rallies and strong corporate results from a leading contract chipmaker and other tech firms, while a large conglomerate announced a multibillion-dollar robotics acquisition. Energy prices dipped modestly; gold remained elevated. Market movement was muted by a recent government shutdown that delayed key economic reports and left investors reliant on earnings and AI optimism.