By Chelsey Dulaney and Quentin Webb
In short, with a yawn historically.
Markets have averaged a 0.05% gain across 20 government shutdowns since 1976, according to Dow Jones Market Data. While the disruption can weigh on business-and delay important data releases-the economy often makes up for any lost ground once the government reopens.
For investors, shutdowns are often overshadowed by broader economic and geopolitical events. During a 34-day partial shutdown in President Trump's first term, markets' focus was on thawing U.S.-China trade relations, and the health of the wider economy.
Stocks climbed 10% in that period, which started in December 2018.
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(END) Dow Jones Newswires
October 01, 2025 07:40 ET (11:40 GMT)
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