For the first time in nearly three decades, Mother Nature has forced a shutdown of all stock and options trading. The Commerce Department was open for business, however, to report a better-than-expected 0.8% increase in consumer spending for September. Personal income rose 0.4%, matching analysts' expectations. Also, there is news to be made from a company perspective, and here are some items to watch today:

• Earnings news: Burger King Worldwide Inc (NYSE:BKW) said third-quarter profits dropped to two cents per share, down from 11 cents in the year-ago period. Excluding items, per-share earnings ticked up to 17 cents per share, while revenue slid 26% lower to $451.1 million. Same-store sales edged 1.4% higher during the period. In other news, the fast-food chain announced a cash dividend of four cents per share, payable each quarter. (The Wall Street Journal)


• Despite a less-than-enthusiastic response to the iPad Mini unveiling, early sales numbers are looking solid for the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) device. Just three days after pre-orders started, all six models have sold out. The shipping date has been pushed two weeks forward from the originally scheduled time of November 2. (Mashable)


• McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD) will begin experimenting with in-store sales of bagged ground coffee next month. Unfortunately for local fans of the fast food king's java blend, the 12-ounce bags will only be available in Canada, for roughly $7 apiece. There are currently no plans to sell ground coffee in the U.S. (The Huffington Post)


• Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) could be close to settling a U.S. Justice Department probe into money laundering allegations. Some speculate the casino could end up paying a fine and changing the way customer funds are processed, in exchange for prosecutors dropping indictment threats. (The Wall Street Journal)


• This is somewhat frightening: the 170 million Americans expected to celebrate Halloween will collectively spend $8 billion on costumes, candy, and more. Roughly $370 million of this will be spent to outfit the nation's pets in spooky attire. (Mashable)