ACEA: European new car registrations in September rose 10% YoY to 1,363,210 units.

NBC News, citing two US officials and two people familiar with the matter, reported the US has quietly reduced force levels at bases in Jordan, Qatar and Kuwait in recent days. Several US diplomatic post chiefs in the region were notified on Wednesday to begin staff reductions; the State Department said any diplomatic evacuations are limited to Saudi Arabia. Officials told NBC the drawdowns are among options being planned to move personnel out of harm’s way if President Trump revives a large-scale military campaign against Iran; such moves could occur around next month’s midterm elections. The report notes US forces largely pulled back from the region in February before the war, with some personnel later returning and now possibly being withdrawn again. US plans reportedly would leave small contingents to handle air defense and base security. CENTCOM said routine personnel and equipment movements take place to optimize readiness but declined to disclose details.

Spot gold fell 2.00% intraday to $4,057.67/oz.