Back in the US, businesses and consumers alike are dealing with a sharp spike in interest rates and a massive federal budget fight. Potential outcomes of the fiscal showdown could include cuts in federal spending (potentially impacting numerous government contractors and their employees), higher taxes, or even a federal government shutdown. Also it’s important to keep in mind that it’s been less that a year since the Eurozone-related fears began to subside. And now the country has to deal with elevated energy prices?