The IMF has warned American politicians that the longer the Government shutdown continues - the greater the risk to the world economy.
President Barack Obama and Republican leaders in Congress have yet to reach an agreement to end the shutdown - which has seen 800-thousand federal employees forced into unpaid leave.
The IMF's financial counselor says that if the shutdown doesn't avoid a debt default - there would be a "worldwide shock" which would have "significant reprecussions on global markets".
