Financial News for the Week of January 18, 2019

Now in its 28th day, the U.S. government shutdown has far exceeded the 21-day shutdown record set in 1995-96 with no clear end in sight. The longer the shutdown lingers, the higher the likelihood that some of the negative economic impacts from the shutdown gain permanency. As an example, this week the White House doubled its estimated economic impact of the shutdown. Previous estimates assumed a drag of about 0.1 percentage points off of first quarter growth for every two weeks of the shutdown. But, after incorporating the impact of contract workers not being paid, the estimate rises to about -0.13 percentage points off growth each week. This suggests that after four weeks the shutdown is estimated to have shaved half a point off of first quarter GDP growth. This estimate is well above other private sector estimates that expect a more modest impact on growth of about 0.1 ppt drag for every three weeks or so that the shutdown lingers.

The shutdown is exacting a toll on those least responsible for it. Anecdotes continue to highlight the hardships that furloughed federal employees are experiencing. These include workers turning to payday loan companies and food banks, while also taking on side hustles, such as driving for Uber, in order to make ends meet. Although federal employees will eventually be paid for lost wages, the near-term pain is clearly taking a toll.

Across the pond, Brexit developments in the UK this week signaled that government dysfunction is not solely a U.S. pastime. After weeks of anticipation, the withdrawal agreement was put to a vote and was soundly rejected by parliament. The next day, Theresa May’s government survived a confidence vote, concluding a tumultuous week. Next steps include consultations between the prime minister and other parties on proposed amendments to the withdrawal agreement set to be tabled on January 21st, but not voted upon until January 29th. With the March 29th deadline fast approaching, it looks increasingly likely that the UK will have no choice but to seek an extension from the EU (Chart 1).

Despite the government dysfunction on display on both sides of the Atlantic, financial markets were largely unfazed. U.S. equity indexes have soared since the New Year, and are now back at levels seen in early December (Chart 2). There’s good reason for optimism. Data still being reported, such as weekly initial jobless claims, continued to signal a healthy economy. Trade talks with China are ongoing, with the next round set to take place on January 30th in Washington. Although little progress has been announced so far, news that U.S. officials were discussing ratcheting back some of the tariffs on Chinese imports in order to encourage an agreement helped to stoke a global rally in risk assets. Perhaps more importantly, Federal Reserve Presidents were out delivering speeches that reinforced the Fed’s willingness to be patient before the next rate hike. Indeed, patience is warranted given uncertainty about the economic impact of the government shutdown, and ongoing concerns about the health of the global economy.