“Republicans and Democrats have so far shown little willingness to compromise in order to end the shutdown of US government agencies. However, economic and political pressure is likely to increase significantly in the coming weeks. This could then lead to a change of heart. US government – doors remain closed for the time being … On Monday, the bill for short-term bridging financing failed in the Senate for the 11th time. This means that the doors of the US government agencies, which have been closed since October 1, will remain shut. The current shutdown, officially known as appropriations funding gap, is already one of the longest in the last half-century (Chart 1). According to betting markets, it could drag on well into November. Data releases by statistical offices remain on hold. At least the Bureau of Labor Statistics will publish consumer price figures for September on Friday (originally scheduled for October 15). The data is used to calculate cost-of-living adjustments for Social Security payments, and the publication of the consumer price index enables compliance with legal deadlines for this calculation.”
Morten W. Langer
