The number of unemployment claims filed by federal workers has grown sharply, reaching their highest level since a 34-day government shutdown that ended in January 2019 https://t.co/LhpLlyWwkT ...

Market Volatility and Earnings - The market has experienced increased volatility, particularly following a significant selloff after reaching all-time highs [3][5] - Earnings season is currently underway, with major banks reporting lackluster results, which has negatively impacted market sentiment [5][8] - Upcoming earnings reports from major companies like Tesla, Apple, Amazon, and Netflix will significantly influence market movements [8][18] Economic Factors - The Federal Reserve's decisions are crucial, especially in light of the government shutdown affecting data availability [9][10] - Inflation remains a concern, with the Fed aiming for a 2% target, though it may stabilize around 3% [10][11] - Ongoing trade issues with China and tariffs continue to create uncertainty in the market [11][15] Company-Specific Insights - Amazon has been underperforming compared to its peers, with potential for further declines [16][17] - Apple’s upcoming earnings will be closely watched, particularly regarding iPhone sales and tariff impacts [18] - The interconnectedness of global markets means that developments in trade and tariffs will affect major companies significantly [19] Investment Sentiment - Current market conditions suggest caution for new investors, as prices may still decline further [20] - The recent market fluctuations highlight the unpredictability driven by external factors, including political commentary [21]

The US Army Corps of Engineers will pause $11 billion in infrastructure projects in 12 states that voted for Democrat Kamala Harris in 2024 as the White House continues to exert leverage in talks to end the government shutdown https://t.co/WrHxDnQ6mq ...

Core Insights - The government shutdown significantly impacts the housing market, causing delays in loan approvals, closing dates, and affecting federal employees' ability to make mortgage payments [1][2][5] Impact on Loan Programs - Key housing programs, particularly USDA loans, are severely affected, with a complete suspension of new loans issued [3] - FHA and VA loans continue processing but face delays due to reduced staff and manual review requirements [2][10] Flood Insurance and Market Dynamics - The National Flood Insurance Program is closed, risking approximately 3,600 home closings per day, valued at around $1.6 billion [4] - The shutdown is causing a psychological impact on homebuyer behavior, particularly in regions with high federal employment, leading to a 6.7% year-over-year drop in pending home sales in the D.C. area [6] Mortgage Rates and Refinancing - The shutdown may lead to lower mortgage rates, with the average 30-year fixed rate recently hovering around 6.3%, the lowest since late 2024 [8] - However, many homeowners are locked into low-interest pandemic-era loans, making refinancing less appealing [9] Regional Variations - The impact of the shutdown varies by region, with government-heavy areas experiencing cooling housing demand, while diversified economies may weather the situation better [13][14] Homeowner Strategies - Homeowners are advised to focus on financial flexibility, budgeting, and maintaining communication with lenders to navigate the uncertainty [15][16] - Buyers using federal loan programs should prepare for slower timelines and consider having a conventional loan approval as a backup [17][18] Investment Opportunities - Despite the challenges, there may be opportunities for investors to acquire properties at discounts as rental demand remains strong [18]

The government shutdown is set to continue of course over this weekend. This after another funding vote failed to pass in the Senate yesterday. Let's get over to Emily Wilkins. She has the latest on exactly where things stand. Day 17, right Emily? >> Day 17, David. And the question really right now, how long is this shutdown going to go? Is there any offramp? And one sign we're looking at, you know, usually when the Senate is stuck like this, you do see a bipartisan coalition emerge, it's often dubbed a gan ...

JUST IN: 🇺🇸 American Express says government shutdown hasn't affected customers yet. ...

President Donald Trump said the government shutdown had given him license to eliminate “a $20 billion project” in Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer’s home state of New York https://t.co/w5u1kl4Ukx ...

I can also assure you that were this a Republican president, a Republican attorney general, and a Republican IRS that were targeting Democrats, I at least would speak out just as vigorously against it. Because if we are going to respect rule of law, the apparatus of the federal government cannot and should not be used as a partisan tool to bludgeon your enemies. >> Uh, I might have to play that every day.Um, Miles Taylor, that was then that was 2014. Ted Cruz on using the IRS to target enemies. Yeah, look, ...

Well, look, we're trying to figure out how this shutdown is going to end. The Senate just tried a new move where they put basically a bill on the Senate floor that would only fund the Department of Defense or Department of War. And now, we can now report that that bill has failed to reach the threshold.You're not seeing a great deal of additional Democrat support there. Now, this bill did have some other partisan priorities, but it shows kind of how senators are now trying to figure out other ways that they ...

Happy birthday, baby dog. Happy birthday. >> The line is literally around the corner to get into Baby Dog's birthday party.There are Democrats, Republicans online, but weirdly, nobody wanted to talk to us as they're celebrating the birthday of a dog in a government shutdown. >> She said, "As long as the chicken nuggets are still flowing, she's in good shape." >> And I saw her birthday cake. It's pretty good. >> Pretty neat, isn't it.I haven't seen it yet. I haven't seen a picture of that. >> Looks just like ...