Government Shutdown Odds Spike Over Obamacare Feud

The likelihood of a U.S. government shutdown has surged to 56%, according to prediction platform Polymarket, as Democrats demand Republican concessions on Obamacare subsidies. The standoff threatens to disrupt federal operations by October 1 unless a funding bill passes—a scenario that could Ripple through financial markets.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer faces mounting pressure from his party to resist GOP demands, recalling his controversial compromise during March's funding battle. With at least seven Democratic votes needed for passage, Schumer has already declared the current bill unacceptable to his caucus.

The last shutdown in 2018-2019 lasted 35 days, creating widespread economic disruptions. Market participants are monitoring the situation closely, as prolonged political instability could drive volatility across asset classes including cryptocurrencies.