Government shutdown would leave the Fed flying blind

Washington, DC CNN  —  In the event of a US government shutdown, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says it will stop releasing data, including key figures on inflation and unemployment. A lack of crucial government data would make it difficult for investors and the Federal Reserve to interpret the US economy. For now, the economy’s …

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What’s open and closed on Labor Day, September 4 holiday

New York CNN  —  Labor Day is here, which means summer is winding down and schools are reopening. The first Monday in September also commemorates the American labor movement and contributions workers have made to the US economy. Since it’s a bank holiday, many Americans will be traveling or hosting their last summer barbeques. But …

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S&P downgrades debt-riddled GE and GE Capital

New York CNN Business  —  New General Electric boss Larry Culp just got a fresh reminder of the debt-riddled balance sheet he’s inheriting. Barely 24 hours after Culp became CEO, S&P Global Ratings downgraded the credit ratings of GE (GE) and GE Capital. Moody’s and Fitch warned they could do the same. All three ratings …

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Tesla calms fears with strong sales numbers

New York CNN Business  —  A tumultuous quarter at Tesla ended with some very good sales numbers. The company delivered 83,500 vehicles during the third quarter, a strong performance that should calm investor fears about logistical problems and a looming cash crunch. That included almost 56,000 of the lower-priced Model 3. Production was a bit …

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Why it’s time for investors to go on defense

CNN  —  It’s time for investors to start making safer bets. That’s what Howard Marks, co-chairman of Oaktree Capital, told CNNMoney editor-at-large Richard Quest on “Markets Now” on Wednesday. “Defense is more important than offense” right now, said Marks, the author of “Mastering the Market Cycle: Getting the Odds on Your Side.” Investors should consider …

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