The Conference Board Economics Watch^® United States View

An immediate catastrophic government default looks likely to be averted as Congress works toward adopting a debt compromise that would extend the debt ceiling limit through early February and reopen the government through mid-January. However, a critical question is given the current dysfunctional political environment in Washington, what will a few months provide and do we face the prospect of a government default again in early February 2014? A long-term extension in the debt ceiling is the most optimal solution for the economy and financial markets, but looks unlikely at this time.