That dynamic is now playing out again. The looming shutdown is shaking investor confidence in Washington’s ability to manage fiscal policy. Memories of past shutdowns—such as the record 34-day closure in 2018—have reinforced fears of disruption to federal services, unpaid government workers, and broader economic drag. This time, warnings of permanent layoffs and deeper cuts have only heightened anxiety.At the same time, the political standoff is unfolding against a backdrop of other destabilizing forces: Tr ...