The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is down triple digits midday, while the Nasdaq Composite Index (IXIC) and S&P 500 Index (SPX) sit on either side of breakeven after earlier notching fresh record highs. The government shutdown is providing a shaky backdrop, with investors wondering when Republicans and Democrats will reach an agreement. Meanwhile, chipmaker Nvidia (NVDA) hit a new all-time high and is now headed for a sixth-straight gain. 

Pony AI Inc (Nasdaq: PONY) is the most popular stock amongst options traders today, with 48,000 calls and 42,000 puts exchanged so far -- six times the average daily options volume already. The weekly 10/10 25.50-strike call is the most popular contract, with new positions opening there. The stock, which has been publicly traded since November, has been rallying amid news of its expansion in China and hit a record high earlier today. At last look, PONY was up 2.3% at $23.55. 

Quantum computing stock D-Wave Quantum Inc (NYSE: QBTS) is surging today, last seen up 10.7% at $28.38, after news that the company will participate in the upcoming Quantum Beach conference. At the event, CEO Alan Baratz will speak on aerospace optimization. The equity rose 58.2% in September, and now sports a roughly 236% year-to-date lead.

Meanwhile, consumer credit reporting name Equifax Inc (NYSE: EFX) is sharply lower, last seen down 9.3% at $230.33. A FICO announcement is weighing on the shares, after the software company declared a new program that allows mortgage lenders to bypass credit bureaus for FICO scores, increasing competition. EFX has pared earlier losses, however, down at $224.01 at today's low. Year over year, the stock is 21.3% lower. 

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