What are the chances of a US government shutdown?

US Congress needs to agree a new debt ceiling limit this month if the economy is to avoid a significant growth hit, according to Architas CIO Caspar Rock.

For the third time in just over four years the threat of a US government shutdown has again raised its awkward head. It is estimated the similar crisis point in early October 2013 (see box) took $24bn out of the US economy and shaved 0.6% from the year's fourth quarter GDP figures.  US investors climbing walls of worry Avoiding this sort of growth hit at a time when the world is looking to the US to show continued economic resilience would seem a good reason, if none other were needed, for the US Congress to prioritise the agreement of a deal. Debt ceiling  The US government has ...