Tag Archive for: financial resilience

Canadian Banking Regulator Proposes Easier Lending Rules for Banks to Boost Economy and Competition

By Naimul Karim, Financial Post — November 20, 2025

Canada’s top banking regulator, OSFI, now suggests softer lending rules. OSFI wants to free bank capital. This change aims to boost lending and investments. It helps the economy grow in a fast-changing financial world.

Proposed Changes to Risk Weights

OSFI has new plans. The bank must now check loan risks in a different way. OSFI will lower risk weights for loans to small and medium businesses. The weight drops from 85% to 75%. Regulators use risk weights to mark how likely a loan is to default. A high risk weight forces banks to hold more capital. Lower weights mean banks can use capital for lending and other tasks.

OSFI also sees lower risk in low-rise residential projects. It plans to drop their base risk weight from 150% to 130%. For loans that meet at least 75% pre-sales, risk weights drop further. This step gives a boost to real estate loans while keeping risks in check.

Economic and Competitive Rationale

Jacqueline Friedland, OSFI’s executive director, keeps risks managed and banks flexible. She said these precise changes open more capital for loans and investments. At the same time, the government pushes for more competition in Canada’s finance market. Recent budgets now support smaller, alternative banks. Ottawa cuts fees and makes switching chequing accounts easier. These steps could change Canada’s banking scene for the better.

OSFI also starts a 90-day public check. This period lets banks and the public share ideas. The goal is to ease lending rules without adding extra risk.

Banks Have Room to Lend More

OSFI Superintendent Peter Routledge said banks now hold strong capital reserves. He claimed banks might lend nearly $1 trillion more. This amount is large when compared with Canada’s roughly $3-trillion economy. Routledge noted that these buffers should not sit idle. He said banks should use them to fuel growth. More lending to businesses and customers can help during trade disputes and other challenges.

Next Steps

Industry experts and the public can now review the new ideas. Their feedback will help OSFI shape the final rules. Draft regulations may come by spring 2026. Banks may soon have more room to support new business and consumer credit. This change can spark economic growth and make the banking scene more competitive.


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Why Is the Stock Market Up Today? Nvidia Earnings Propel Tech Rally

November 20, 2025 — U.S. stocks climbed on Thursday as Nvidia showed strong quarterly numbers. The report from the chip maker gave a clear sign, and investors saw new hope in the AI field. Gains spread across key indexes.

Nvidia’s Explosive Earnings Report

Nvidia showed a 62% jump in revenue compared to last year. The company reached $57 billion this quarter. The earnings per share came in at $1.30, past the $1.26 prediction. The firm also gave guidance that signals about $65 billion in revenue next quarter against the $62 billion estimate. CEO Jensen Huang stressed that demand for AI systems stays high. The company said its cloud GPUs are all booked, and sales on its new Blackwell GPUs grow fast.

AI Infrastructure Spending Drives Growth

Big cloud firms spend heavily on AI gear. Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, and Google are set to spend over $380 billion on AI this year. Nvidia’s data center income hit $51.2 billion. That is a 25% rise from last quarter and 66% more than last year. On the earnings call, CFO Colette Kress pointed to clear gains from these investments. She mentioned Meta’s stronger user activity with AI engines, Anthropic’s expected $7 billion yearly revenue, and a 30% jump in productivity at Salesforce from AI coding help. These details show that money spent on AI gives results.

Market Response: Broad-Based Rally

Nvidia’s report boosted the market widely. The tech sector grew by 1.6%. Nvidia’s stock went up 2.56% to $192.29. Other chip names such as Broadcom gained 4.77% while AMD also moved up. The seven large tech companies moved higher too: Alphabet Class C climbed 3.31% and Tesla rose 4.27%.
Other sectors did well as well. Communication Services moved up 1.95%, Energy by 1.61%, and Consumer Discretionary by 1.51%. Some stocks jumped high too. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals soared 6.69% and Diamondback Energy increased 3.62%.

Index Gains at a Glance

At 16:54 GMT, major indexes showed this clear mood:

  • S&P 500: +1.38% at 6,733.68
  • Nasdaq Composite: +1.76% at 22,962.12
  • Dow Jones Industrial Average: +1.15% at 46,669.98

Renewed Confidence in AI Spending Durability

Investors now worry less about a burst in AI spending. Nvidia has more than $500 billion in GPU orders for 2025 and 2026. CFO Kress said that this number may rise. This helps cut some doubts about ongoing AI demand. Analysts view these numbers as clear signs that spending on AI will keep driving growth.

Outlook

Hyperscale companies keep investing fast. Nvidia’s strong report builds trust for the AI gear market. Investors will watch other tech firms to see if this strong pace can hold.


James Hyerczyk, a U.S.-based technical analyst with over 40 years of market work, wrote this report.


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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not count as investment advice. Readers should do their own research and talk with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

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Employment Growth Slows as Regional Manufacturing Returns to Contraction, Signaling Economic Cooling

November 20, 2025 — New data on jobs and factories from the United States show a slowdown in economic strength. Employment growth slows while regional manufacturing slips into contraction. Market experts watch these signs as hints of more easing soon.

U.S. Payroll Growth Moderates

Data from November 20 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that nonfarm payrolls grew by 119,000 jobs in September. The rate is lower than before, and the unemployment rate stays at 4.4%.

Hourly pay rose 0.2% to $36.67. Annual wage growth holds at 3.8%. Weekly work hours stayed at 34.2. A government shutdown delay changed the release time, yet most survey work ended before the delay.

The household survey counted 7.6 million unemployed people. Long-term unemployment held at 1.8 million, which is 23.6% of the jobless group. Labor force participation moved up to 62.4% while the employment-to-population ratio stayed at 59.7%.

Job gains came mainly in healthcare (+43,000), food services (+37,000), and social assistance (+14,000). Jobs in transportation and warehousing dropped by 25,000. Storage lost 11,000 jobs and courier services lost 7,000. Federal government jobs fell by 3,000, which makes the year-to-date drop 97,000. Regional Manufacturing Activity Contracts Again

The Philadelphia Federal Reserve’s November Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey shows a weak region of manufacturing.
The overall activity index, which is now -1.7, stayed below zero though it improved from past months. New orders (-8.6) and shipments (-8.7) also fell. This move into negative marks lower demand. The index for employment climbed to 6.0. Sixteen percent of firms report more hiring, but the average workweek dropped to 3.7. Price pressures persist but with less force. The prices paid index grew to 56.1 while prices received sank to 17.7. Firms also cut down their expected selling price for the next year to 3.0% from 4.1%. The six-month outlook index climbed to 49.6, its highest mark in a year.

Market Implications: A Bearish Near-Term Outlook

Soft payroll growth and selected job gains come with lower manufacturing orders and shipments. Wage growth stays steady. Business views of rising prices now soften.

Analysts see these numbers as signs that the economic push is weakening. These signs may cause market players to get ready for a softer economy or changes in monetary policy.

In sum, the latest reports on jobs and manufacturing show a careful U.S. economic scene. Limited job gains and lower industrial demand make near-term growth less strong.


About the Author:
James Hyerczyk is a seasoned U.S.-based technical analyst and educator with over 40 years of experience in market analysis and trading. He focuses on chart patterns and price movement, has written two books on technical analysis, and holds strong knowledge in both futures and stock markets.

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China Markets Struggle Amid Policy Uncertainty as PBoC Holds Rates Steady

By Bob Mason | Published: November 20, 2025, 03:22 GMT

China markets face pressure. The People’s Bank of China held key rates. This move raises doubt on Beijing policy. China sees slow growth. Signs drop and voices call for fresh aid. Domestic demand stays weak.


Economic Challenges Shadow Growth Prospects

New data shows a slow recovery. Retail sales grew 3.0% in September but slid to 2.9% in October. Growth fell after a 6.4% surge in May. The housing market feels stress. There is no sign of a quick rebound. These issues lower consumer trust. Domestic spending suffers and misses the 5% GDP aim for 2025. Exports lose strength too. Exports dropped 1.1% in October after an 8.3% jump the month before. Low global demand and trade strains hold back growth. Car exports, however, push ahead with low prices.


PBoC’s Pause Fuels Market Caution

In these conditions, the PBoC kept rates unchanged. Both the one-year and five-year Loan Prime Rates stayed at 3% and 3.5%. These rates set the pace for loans to companies, families, and for housing. Many had hoped for lower rates to boost demand. The choice to hold rates lowered investor hope. Major stock indexes then lost ground. The CSI 300 and Shanghai Composite dropped after early gains.

Observers link the pause to Beijing’s careful stance amid tough pressures. This rate hold comes as US-China talks near rare earth export issues. Rare earths tie to electric vehicles and tech parts.


Trade Talks and Rare Earth Exports in Focus

US-China talks grab attention. Leaders hint at a rare earth deal before Thanksgiving. Some doubt China will give up control of its key resources. Customs data shows rare earth shipments fell in October to the lowest level since June. This drop occurs amid ongoing trade strains. A brief pause in export limits from leaders’ talks in October now feels fragile. China’s hold on these metals may pressure US car makers. A break in talks can stir global risks.


Equity Markets Tread Carefully Amid Uncertainty

Mainland stock markets show some steadiness. The CSI 300 Index fell 0.78% in November after a flat October. A small rebound earlier in the week offered brief hope. Still, traders stay cautious as they watch trade moves.

The Hang Seng Index also slipped 0.21% in November. Investors now check if rare earth progress can cut US duties on Chinese goods. A change could push up the Beijing stock rally that began earlier this year.


Upcoming Data and Outlook

The next week will hold key data. Investors scan for signs of recovery or deeper weakness. On November 27, industrial profit numbers for January to October are due. Experts predict a 3.8% rise, up from 3.2% in September. A rise in profit may show lower cost pressure and better demand. This signal may support jobs and boost spending.

On November 30, the private sector Purchasing Managers’ Index comes out. These numbers will show how low US duties and trade talks shape Chinese exports and growth.


Conclusion

China deals with weak domestic demand, a stressed housing market, and careful monetary moves amid tricky US trade talks. The PBoC decision to hold rates shows Beijing is wary. Investors now look for clear signals.

Trade talks and new data will set the market tone. China’s growth and stock moves are not sure. Fresh measures from Beijing may restore trust and help reach the 2025 growth goal.

Bob Mason brings over 28 years of experience covering global financial markets and economic policy analysis.

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Nasdaq Composite Rises as Nvidia Hits a Strong Quarter, Lifting Tech Mood and After-Hours Trades

By James Hyerczyk
Published: November 19, 2025, 21:56 GMT

Nvidia reported strong earnings that pushed the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite upward. The news lifted the mood among investors and sparked a rise in trading after hours. The semiconductor leader beat Wall Street numbers and gave clear guidance for the next quarter. The report shows a high demand for its AI products.

Solid Earnings and Guidance Boost Investor Hope

Nvidia earned $1.30 per share after adjustments and beat forecasts of $1.25. Its revenue hit $57.01 billion, more than the $54.92 billion expected. The report also looked ahead, expecting about $65 billion in fourth-quarter sales, well over the consensus of $61.66 billion.

This clear view helped investors feel more hopeful. After hours, Nvidia shares went up around 4%. The company’s net income jumped 65% year-over-year to $31.91 billion. This gain shows that Nvidia stays strong in the fast-growing AI market.

Strong Growth in Data Centers Pushes Sales Higher

Nvidia’s data center unit led the overall growth. This part of the company grew 66% year-over-year and reached $51.2 billion, more than the $49.09 billion predicted by experts. Out of this, $43 billion came from compute products such as graphics processing units (GPUs), while $8.2 billion was from networking sales.

CEO Jensen Huang spoke of a very high demand for its next generation chips. CFO Colette Kress noted that the new chip version is now the firm’s top seller. The data shows that cloud providers keep a strong need for these products. Many cloud GPU items have already sold out.

Steady Gains in Other Areas

Nvidia did well in other parts of its business too. Gaming revenue grew 30% to reach $4.3 billion as users continue to show strong need. Professional visualization revenue went up by 56% to $760 million thanks to the new DGX Spark AI desktop. The robotics and automotive areas brought in $592 million, a 32% jump from last year. This rise shows that the market for Nvidia’s products is broadening.

Shareholder Rewards

Nvidia gave back to its investors with $12.5 billion in buybacks and $243 million in dividends this past quarter. These moves help keep a positive view in the market.

Looking Ahead

Market watchers now focus on the steady need for AI products and Nvidia’s skill in managing global chip limits. The company’s habit of exceeding estimates and raising guidance makes its case strong in the eyes of both traders and long-term investors.

As Nvidia sets a high mark this quarter, observers will check if the strength continues. Future results must stay solid to support the ongoing rise. For now, the report confirms Nvidia’s strong role in AI and the wider chip field.


James Hyerczyk is a U.S.-based technical analyst and educator with over four decades of experience in market analysis and trading. He specializes in chart patterns and price movements and has authored two books on technical analysis.


Related Reading:

  • S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100: Tech Stocks Lift US Indices as Nvidia Earnings Take Center Stage
  • Fed Minutes Show Deep Division as Traders Brace for an Uncertain December Rate Decision

Disclaimer: This article is for informational use only and should not be seen as financial advice. Investors should do their own research and talk with licensed financial advisors before making any decisions.

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Fed Minutes Reveal Division Among Policymakers as Markets Brace for Uncertain December Rate Decision

By James Hyerczyk | Published November 19, 2025

The Fed’s October meeting notes show clear splits. The document links policymakers with different views. Markets read the Fed’s measured tone as inflation stays high and jobs slow. Traders now wait with care for December’s choice on rates.

A Committee Split on the Path Forward

The notes stress that officials do not agree. In October, the Fed set rates down by 25 points. It paused the sale of assets on December 1. Yet, officials could not all agree on how tight the policy is. They could not agree on views for price rise and growth. The December meeting now stands open. Traders see few pointers as the Fed does not push strong moves.

Inflation Concerns and Divergent Views

Price rise sits at 2.8 percent year by year. Some officials tie the rise to tariff shifts. They think the change will soon fade. Others worry that high prices have stuck around for four years. They see this as a sign of a firm trend. This mix of views builds the debate. If prices drop fast, those who favor softer policy feel they have reason for more cuts. But if prices stay high, those who call for firm policy say that the rate drop came too soon.

Labor Market Signals Mixed

The job scene looks mixed in the notes. Job numbers grow slower. Layoffs stay low, and new hiring is less strong. Some note that tech changes might change how work and output connect. These clear links help shape the Fed’s view. For traders, the key is that while jobs do not fall sharply, they cool enough to back those who push for more rate cuts.

December Rate Decision Looms as a Possible Policy Battle

The notes show that officials express “strongly differing views.” About half lean toward another rate drop in December. They note soft job data and a wish for neutral policy. The other half wants to wait. They point to steady price rise and sound growth. They worry that fast changes might unsettle market views. Markets now give about equal weight to a rate cut or no move. Analysts point to November’s price and job reports as key hints for the final choice, assuming data comes in on time.

Market Implications: Equities, Bonds, and Beyond

In stocks, ending the asset sale and the Fed’s soft tone help some risk makers. Still, the high values in tech, spurred by rush around new tech, may bring sharp shifts. When market gains hinge on a few tech names, change may come fast. Buyers step in on dips, yet gains stay small unless data shines bright.

In bonds, the pause on asset sales cuts supply strain. This should help keep yields in check, mainly on long loans. Still, steady price rise will likely hold a base for long-term rates. A small change in the yield curve may occur at year’s end. The overall shift now rests on what the Fed chooses in December.

Looking Ahead: Data Will Drive the Narrative

To sum up, the October notes show a Fed caught at a fork. The bank gets news in many ways, while views inside differ a lot. With one big step gone from selling assets, one risk for many markets lessens. Still, worries on prices and market worth call for care.

Market watchers must watch November’s reports. These data points seem set to guide the Fed’s last move for 2025. The main idea stays plain: the next step remains in doubt, and the December meeting can set the mood for the months ahead.


About the Author:
James Hyerczyk is a U.S.-based technical expert and teacher with over forty years of market work. He studies chart work and price moves and has written two books on market study. James works with both futures and stock markets.


Disclaimer: The text here is for study and research only. It does not give tips on money matters. Readers should check their own facts and get advice from experts before making choices.


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Scotiabank Announces Executive Shuffle, Moves Chief Risk Officer Phil Thomas to New Role

By Naimul Karim, Financial Post | November 18, 2025

Scotiabank reshuffles its senior team. It names Phil Thomas as Chief Strategy and Operating Officer. Thomas was the Chief Risk Officer. He starts his new role in December. The bank makes this change to build strong leaders during its shift in structure.

Leadership Transition

Phil Thomas led risk management when challenges arose. He steered the bank during COVID-19 and trade issues. Now, he takes on strategy and operations. CEO Scott Thomson praises him for lifting risk management when change was rapid. His work built trust in the bank’s risk stance.

Shannon McGinnis takes over as Chief Risk Officer. She served as Deputy Chief Risk Officer. Before joining Scotiabank in 2024, she gained 30 years of risk experience at another bank.

Anique Asher shifts roles next. She was Chief Strategy and Operating Officer for 18 months. Now, she becomes Executive Vice-President of Real Estate Secured Lending. The bank names Tracy Gomes as Chief Risk Officer for Canadian Banking, Global Wealth Management, and Credit Risk. It also appoints Meigan Terry as Chief Global Corporate and Public Affairs Officer.

Context: Transformation and Workforce Changes

The bank made cuts in its Canadian operations recently. Aris Bogdaneris, Head of Canadian Business, sent a memo about the hard choices ahead. He noted that the bank must cut tasks that waste time and add little value. He said goodbye to valued colleagues with respect.

Looking Forward

Scott Thomson says these changes build talent and strengthen leadership. He adds that they help drive steady, healthy growth. The refresh of roles prepares the bank to face global trade shifts and other risks. Phil Thomas now also eyes threats like U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods.

About Scotiabank

The Bank of Nova Scotia, known as Scotiabank, stands as one of Canada’s largest banks. It offers services in personal and commercial banking, wealth management, and corporate and investment banking.


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China’s Economic Outlook Weakens as Housing Slump Deepens and Domestic Demand Falters

By Bob Mason – November 14, 2025

China’s outlook dims fast. The economy suffers as the housing market drops and home buying stays weak. October data show house prices falling, retail sales slowing, and lower industrial output. This news adds worry on the world’s second-biggest economy.


Housing Market Continues to Struggle

October numbers show houses losing value. The House Price Index falls 2.2% over one year, the same drop seen in September and a bit more than some expected. CN Wire reports that 61 out of 70 cities record lower prices. Average home costs drop 0.45% from last month, a stronger fall than the 0.41% seen in September.

House price drops press down on consumer mood and home wealth. These trends put heavy weight on China’s growth plans. Beijing faces hard choices as it tries to stir up spending while problems grow at home.


Mixed Economic Indicators Signal Uneven Recovery

Some data bring mixed signs. The official unemployment rate moves from 5.2% in September down to 5.1% in October. This slight fall may hint at a steadier work scene even as private reports point to ongoing job cuts.

Retail sales grow by 2.9% year-over-year in October, just a bit lower than 3% in September. This slow pace follows a 6.4% rise in May. A high base from last year and fewer workdays may explain some of the drop. The figures tell us that weak domestic buying persists. Industrial output rises 4.9% year-over-year in October, down from 6.5% in September. Fixed asset work falls 1.7% for the year so far, a sharper decline than the 0.5% drop seen before. These numbers back the view that China’s growth faces new limits both at home and abroad.


Market Reaction and Policy Expectations

The mix of news sends careful signals to markets. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index slips 0.85% to 26,843 after the report. It hit 26,781 early on before climbing slightly. The Mainland Properties Index shows some strength, rising after an early dip. Some hope rests on more help for houses to come soon.

In forex, the Australian dollar gains from the lower job numbers. The AUD/USD moves from around 0.6537 to a high near 0.6549 and then settles at about 0.6548. This swing points to market hope that China will act in turn.


Trade Tensions and Economic Outlook Ahead

Trade problems also weigh on the economy. A one-year trade pause between President Trump and President Xi cut U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods from 57% to around 47%. That pause has not rebuilt business or consumer trust. Lower external sales squeeze company profits. The squeeze leads firms to cut jobs and weakens local buying further.

Looking ahead, market eyes search for hints that Beijing will add measures to support housing and boost spending. A rise in U.S.-China trade conflicts could darken the view, putting pressure on stocks and slowing the recovery.


Conclusion

China’s path is rough. Falling home prices, weak consumer buying, and slow production all draw a hard picture. Some job figures show small steadiness, yet the overall data stress the need for quick action to support growth and rebuild trust. Investors must keep a close watch as shifts in trade ties and policy now set the future course.


About the author: Bob Mason brings over 28 years of experience in the financial sector, contributing insights on global currencies, commodities, and equities with a focus on European and Asian markets.

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ECN Capital Corp. to Be Taken Private in $1.9 Billion Deal Led by Warburg Pincus

By Barbara Shecter, Financial Post – November 13, 2025

ECN Capital Corp. is a well-known financing firm that started nearly ten years ago. It now faces a change. An investor group led by Warburg Pincus LLC will buy it with cash. The deal pays $3.10 for each common share. This price is 13% above the last closing price. The business is now valued at about $1.9 billion.

Transaction Overview and Timeline

The deal needs a few approvals. Regulators and courts must give the go-ahead. The buyout should close by mid-2026. ECN Capital’s Board of Directors supports this plan. They see few conditions. They call the terms fair for the firm and its shareholders.

Strategic Rationale Behind the Sale

Steve Hudson runs ECN Capital. He also holds seven percent of the company. He said that now is the right time to sell the remaining finance parts of the firm. These parts have grown strong. They can gain from the vast funds that large banks or big private equity teams like Warburg Pincus have.

He explained, "When a business grows this much, it helps to join a bank, an insurance firm, or a solid private equity group. They give more financial strength than a smaller company like ours."

Historical Context and Growth Strategy

Steve Hudson recalls his past at Newcourt Credit Group in the 1990s. That company had trouble funding long-term loans with short-term bills. The model did not work well. At ECN Capital, he chose a different plan.

Under his lead, ECN Capital made a smart move. In 2021, it sold its service finance unit to Truist Bank for US$2 billion. This was a sharp rise from the US$309 million price in 2017. Hudson noted that Truist has a strong capital base and a knack for financing, including selling loans to investors. This move helped the business grow beyond ECN’s own reach.

Remaining Operations and Shareholder Returns

After selling two big parts—the service finance unit and another unit to Stone Point Capital LLC—the firm now works on two areas. It focuses on financing manufactured homes, as well as recreational vehicles and marine craft. Its assets total about US$7.6 billion.

Since 2016, ECN Capital has generated more than 200% return for its shareholders. The management sees the new deal as a chance to give shareholders cash and return more funds.

Market and Industry Implications

This sale shows a trend. Mid-sized financing companies now join bigger groups. They seek the stronger funds and rapid growth that come with large financial teams. Warburg Pincus’s action shows they trust the growth of ECN Capital’s key areas.

About ECN Capital and Warburg Pincus

ECN Capital Corp. earns respect as a focused financing firm. It works mainly in niche areas like manufactured housing and recreational vehicle finance. The company has grown a lot since it split from Element Fleet Management Corp.

Warburg Pincus is a global private equity firm. It invests in growing sectors and companies. The firm brings strong resources and capital to help expand businesses.


For further updates and detailed analysis on this transaction and its impacts on the financial services sector, stay tuned to Financial Post.

Contact: Barbara Shecter at bshecter@nationalpost.com

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The Final Economic Impact of the Record U.S. Government Shutdown: Analysis and Outlook

By Dennis Shen, Macroeconomic Council, Scope Ratings
Published November 13, 2025

The U.S. government shut down for 43 days. The shutdown ended on Wednesday when the White House approved an emergency funding bill. The federal workers return, and they get all of their back pay. The lost work should soon come back, even though the bill stops federal layoffs only until January 30, 2026. This rule sets up more debates about shutdowns early next year.

Economic Growth Impact and Recovery

Scope Ratings experts see the shutdown cutting U.S. economic output by a few tenths of a percentage point in the last quarter of 2025. They note that the work stoppage and missed services lowered the output. Most of that lost output is expected to return in the first quarter of 2026. The experts now expect U.S. GDP to rise by 2.4% in 2026, up from 2.1% in 2025. Still, some risks to the nation’s growth are present.

Short shutdowns do not usually leave a deep mark. Yet the long shutdown may bring effects that last more. The Congressional Budget Office puts the permanent hit at about $11 billion in lost economic activity. This amount shows that the damage was strong but not disastrous.

Economic Challenges Amid the Shutdown

The shutdown added to the state of the U.S. economy. Slow hiring and high inflation kept problems for both policymakers and households. Key data on jobs and prices was delayed. This delay made the situation seem more uncertain as the Federal Reserve weighs its next rate change.

Some essential services stayed affected. For example, air traffic controllers could not clear flights because they were unpaid and overloaded. This situation led to strict limits at airports. Many travelers cancelled flights, and the travel business suffered lasting losses. The delay in benefit payments for 42 million lower-income Americans on food aid took days to fix. This delay raised social concerns.

Some diners missed meals at restaurants and buyers delayed large purchases. These actions hurt short-term spending. Also, debates on the future of Obamacare bring more money worries for many families as 2026 nears.

Political and Governance Concerns

The shutdown has also shown side issues in government and rising political divisions in Washington, D.C. Scope Ratings lowered the U.S. sovereign credit rating from AA to AA- last month. This change brings to light risks in government and political standstills that might shake economic and fiscal management.

Now that the shutdown is over, attention turns to cutting future risks. The aim is to create a steadier budgeting process that helps keep economic performance and public trust steady.

For more details on today’s economic events and forecasts, please refer to our economic calendar.

About the Author
Dennis Y. Shen is Chair of the Macroeconomic Council and Lead Global Economist at Scope Ratings, based in Berlin, Germany. He works on credit analysis for governments, public sectors, banks, and corporations.


Disclaimer: The content here shows analysis and opinions from Scope Ratings and FXEmpire. It is meant for information and education only. This text is not investment advice or a set of recommendations. Readers should do their own research and speak with financial advisors before making any decisions.

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