Q4 GDP Forecasts: Mid-to-High 2s, Estimate of Shutdown Impact on GDP

Merrill Lynch estimate of impact of government shutdown on GDP:

We think a deal to reopen the government will be reached eventually, but only after economic, financial and/or political pain is felt. Every two weeks of a shutdown will trim 0.1pp from growth; additional drag is likely due to delays in spending and investment.

From Merrill Lynch:

4Q GDP tracking remains at 2.8%. We forecast 1Q GDP growth of 2.2%, but downside risks are emerging due to the government shutdown. [Jan 11 estimate]
emphasis added

From the NY Fed Nowcasting Report

The New York Fed Staff Nowcast stands at 2.5% for 2018:Q4 and 2.1% for 2019:Q1. [Jan 11 estimate]

And from the Altanta Fed: GDPNow

The current GDPNow model estimate for real GDP growth (seasonally adjusted annual rate) in the fourth quarter of 2018 remains 2.8 percent on January 10. [Jan 10 estimate]

CR Note: These estimates suggest GDP in the mid-to-high 2s for Q4.