US Government Shutdown Averted as Spending Deal Reached; Silver Prices Surge Amid Market Volatility
Washington, D.C. – A partial US government shutdown was averted Friday as officials in Washington DC reached an agreement on a $1.2 trillion government spending package, while simultaneously, silver prices reached an all-time high, reflecting market volatility and investor interest in precious metals.
Negotiations intensified to prevent a shutdown, particularly concerning funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Democrats pushed to remove DHS funding from the spending bill following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on Saturday, according to BBC World. US media reported that the White House and Senate Democratic leadership neared an agreement, averting the shutdown.
Meanwhile, silver prices touched a high of nearly $120 per ounce as of January 29, 2026, according to CBS News. The precious metal has transitioned from a portfolio diversifier and industrial metal used in electric vehicles and solar panels to one of the strongest-performing assets of the past year, even outpacing gold.
The surge in silver prices has attracted new buyers, driving prices up further. Some investors are reacting to inflation concerns and economic uncertainty. According to CBS News, investing in silver can pay off in today's market, but only if precautions are taken while purchasing it.
In other economic news, businesses continue to navigate challenges related to tariffs. Even before President Trump unveiled his tariff policy last year, Loloi, a rug company in Dallas, started stockpiling inventory to support growth plans, according to The New York Times. Amir Loloi, the company's founder and chief executive, said the decision turned out to be prescient. "We were bursting to the seams in our distribution centers," he said. Loloi noted that companies do not pass along the full impact of tariffs to consumers. "If the tariffs are 50 percent, no one is passing along 50 percent," he said.
Additionally, restaurant tipping practices remain a topic of discussion. Restaurant and etiquette experts say tipping standards have less to do with the meal itself and more to do with service, perception, and evolving norms, according to Fox News. Vicki Parmelee, owner of Jumby Bay Island Grill in Jupiter, Florida, told Fox News Digital that tips should be earned, not expected.
Geopolitical tensions also remain high. The BBC World reported on potential scenarios if the US strikes Iran, noting that while targets are predictable, the outcome is not.
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