The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development said it has guided local implementation and jurisdictions have issued implementing rules. One month after the ordinance took effect, as of Oct. 20, 13.7 bln yuan had been withdrawn for home renovations and 2.8 bln yuan for property-fee payments. The ministry said the changes are releasing housing provident fund benefits, meeting demand and supporting housing consumption.

Decision Desk HQ projects Democrat James Talarico will win the Texas U.S. Senate seat, defeating Republican Ken Paxton — the first Democratic Senate victory in Texas since 1988. The outcome increases Democratic odds of retaking the Senate; Democrats need a net gain of four seats to regain a majority. U.S. media project Democrats have also flipped the Senate races in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Spot gold reclaimed $4,000/oz, up 1.77% on the day.