U.S. economy faces severe strains after election with Washington potentially paralyzed

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Political gridlock looms over possibly turbulent period for economy amid spike in coronavirus cases, expiration of federal benefits

America’s economy faces severe new strains in the two months between Tuesday’s election and January, a period when Washington could be consumed by political paralysis and gridlock.

This window is typically used by successful presidential candidates to plan for the outset of their administration, but several large economic sectors are bracing to be hit by both an increase in coronavirus cases and the arrival of winter weather.

These factors could exacerbate extreme slowdowns in the travel, restaurant and hospitality industries and further depress an oil industry already roiled by low prices. Continue reading.