Here's today's Connections answer and hints for groups. These clues will help you solve New York Times' popular puzzle game, Connections, every day!

Trump’s tariffs and the government shutdown continue to affect the economy. Follow live updates on the Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq and other markets, including bitcoin and gold.

Stock futures pointed slightly higher Friday, a day after the three major indexes closed lower, while gold futures went back above $4,000 an ounce as the length of the U.S. government shutdown reached double digits.

Thursday’s episode of the Third Hour of the TODAY Show was pre-recorded, as Craig Melvin’s co-hosts – Dylan Dreyer, Al Roker, and Sheinelle Jones – were all absent.

Below are the hints, categories and answers for today’s Connections game, puzzle #849, on October 7.