信用评级又遭下调，债务总额再达新高，多方议论政府停摆对美国经济影响

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing U.S. government shutdown, now in its 26th day, poses significant risks to the economy, with potential long-term impacts that could lead to a recession if the situation persists [1][3]. Economic Impact - Economists warn that if the government shutdown continues for several months, it could deplete the savings of furloughed employees and reduce overall consumer spending power due to the lack of critical government subsidies [3]. - Approximately 750,000 furloughed government workers are already feeling financial pressure, with reports of individuals relying on food banks [3]. - The shutdown has led to the postponement of key economic data releases, which could increase market uncertainty and diminish confidence among businesses and policymakers [3]. Credit Rating Downgrade - Scope Ratings has downgraded the U.S. sovereign credit rating from "AA" to "AA-", citing deteriorating public finances, high fiscal deficits, rising interest expenditures, and reduced budget flexibility [2]. - The agency had previously adjusted the U.S. rating outlook to "negative" earlier in 2023, indicating ongoing concerns about the country's fiscal health [2]. Debt Concerns - The U.S. national debt has surpassed $38 trillion, with projections from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) suggesting that the debt-to-GDP ratio could reach 140% within four years, a significant increase from 2025 levels [5]. - The combination of government shutdown and rising debt levels signals a concerning trend for the U.S. economy, as it may hinder economic activity and fiscal decision-making [5][6]. Diverging Opinions - Some economists argue that the scale of funding affected by the government shutdown is relatively small, as most federal spending is categorized as "automatic disbursements," suggesting limited broader economic impact [6].