Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. World Markets Unfazed by Shutdown by VOA News World stock markets are reacting calmly to the partial shutdown of the U.S. government. Asian markets ended mixed Tuesday, while European stocks are trading in a narrow range from Monday's close. U.S. markets opened slightly higher in early trading in New York. The value of the U.S. dollar, however, slid against world currencies, on fears that the first shutdown of the U.S. government in 17 years could prove to be a drag on the slowly improving American economy, the world's largest. One market research company (IHS) estimated the work stoppage at many U.S. agencies, and the furloughing of 800,000 government workers, would cost the U.S. economy at least $300 million a day in lost economic output. Analysts say the effect of a short shutdown might be relatively small on economic growth, but the impact could worsen if the shutdown extends for more than a few days. Consumer spending accounts for about 70 percent of the U.S. economy. The analysts say U.S. economic fortunes could be more broadly impacted if fears persist that the White House and Congress cannot reach an agreement to end the stalemate over government funding and the implementation of President Barack Obama's signature legislative achievement, health care reforms that are now taking effect. World markets appear most concerned with whether Congress and Obama can reach an agreement to increase the country's $16.7 trillion borrowing limit. The U.S. is expected to reach the debt limit by Oct. 17, at which point the country could run out of money to pay all its bills. The country, for the first time, could default on its financial obligations, including payment on bonds held by overseas investors. Numerous political and economic leaders say a U.S. default would likely roil world financial markets. __________________________________________________________________ [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/world-markets-unfazed-by-partial-us-g overnment-shutdown/1760523.html References 1. http://www.voanews.com/content/world-markets-unfazed-by-partial-us-government-shutdown/1760523.html