This week's events are likely to depress consumer and business confidence for a while. This loss of confidence is a setback for the short-term economic outlook, and the economic recovery will probably take longer to unfold. However, the economy is unlikely to grind to a halt. The financial markets may be closed for a few days, but the banking system continues to operate. Consumers and businesses can get to their cash, and this means that the economy can function.
People are worried, but they are going back to work.
This shows how resilient the U.S. economy can be. The injuries and loss of life from this week's events are almost unimaginable. Fortunately, Americans are rising to the occasion. People are lining up for hours to give blood, and a new sense of unity and cooperation is emerging. Even Congress has put aside political differences.