45% of Americans Say the Government Shutdown Makes Them Less Likely to Make a Major Purchase, Up From 21% in Early October

Core Insights - Nearly half of Americans (45%) are less likely to make major purchases due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, a significant increase from 21% in early October [1][2][8] - The shutdown has negatively impacted the financial situation of over a third of Americans, with 35% reporting they are worse off financially [7][9] Consumer Behavior - The percentage of Americans who are much less likely to make a major purchase has risen from 14% to 28% [2] - 21% of Americans are delaying major purchases, up from 17% in early October, while 15% have canceled plans altogether, an increase from 7% [5] - Just over half (51%) report no change in their likelihood of making a major purchase, down from 64% a month earlier [2][5] Economic Impact - The federal government shutdown, which began on October 1, is estimated by the Congressional Budget Office to potentially reduce the U.S. economy by up to $14 billion and slow growth by as much as two percentage points if it continues through the end of November [4] - Nearly half (46%) of Americans say the shutdown is having a negative impact on their lives, with 16% indicating a major negative impact [6] Financial Strain - Among those with monthly housing payments, 7% have missed a payment in the past three months, and 13% have been late [10] - 14% predict they will miss or be late on a housing payment in the next three months [10] - The most cited reason for missed or late payments is a decrease in income or income delays (34%) [13] Job Security Concerns - Approximately 33% of workers express concern about their job security, a figure that remains stable compared to previous surveys [15] - The majority (61%) of employed respondents feel confident about their job security, with 41% very confident [16]