The ongoing shutdown of the United States Federal Government — now running into its longest stretch on record — is raising alarm bells about macro-economic impacts. With data releases stalled and public workers furloughed, economists warn of an uptick in risk to GDP growth, consumer confidence and fiscal stability. The delay in official statistics is also clouding the ability of the Federal Reserve to make timely policy decisions. Markets are closely monitoring the duration and resolution of the shutdown as a key factor in short-term economic resilience.