*By Amanda Weston*
Microsoft President Brad Smith called for an end to the government shutdown during an appearance on Cheddar Thursday, saying that the political stalemate in the U.S. is contributing to broader international instability resulting from the ongoing Brexit chaos and weakness in the Chinese economy.
"This is not good for this economy, especially at the same time that the U.K. is dealing with another round of Brexit issues, at a time when Chinese economic indicators were not as positive in December," Smith said. "We need our political leaders to come together, get this government reopened, pay the people who are keeping our airports safe, and get this economy firing on all of its cylinders."
Smith's comments come as the partial government shutdown, officially the longest in U.S. history, was in its 27th day, with hundreds of thousands of federal employees still on unpaid leave. President Donald Trump and Democrats remain at odds over funding for border security, including Trump's signature campaign promise of a wall.
Smith said companies are feeling the impact of the stalemate.
"You can debate how much harm it's doing to the economy," the Microsoft ($MSFT) president said. "One thing is indisputable: it's not helping to have the government closed."
"There are companies that are not going public. There are companies that are not bringing products to the market."
For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/we-can-only-be-successful-if-the-community-is-successful-microsoft-president-says).
Samsung reported better-than-expected operating profits in the third quarter.
Apple's latest event announced new Mac products and new chips and the company's latest line of Macbook Pros and iMacs were unveiled.
Stocks fell in the opening session Tuesday as earnings reports continued to pour in and as investors brace for the Federal Reserve's interest-rate decision on Wednesday.
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A flow of recent data from the U.S. government has made one thing strikingly clear: A surge in consumer spending is fueling strong growth, demonstrating a resilience that has confounded economists, Federal Reserve officials and even the sour sentiments that Americans themselves have expressed in opinion polls.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning parents and caregivers not to buy or serve certain pureed fruit pouches marketed to toddlers and young children because the food might contain dangerous levels of lead.
Some pumpkin farmers in the West, particularly wholesalers in places like Colorado and New Mexico, are feeling the pinching effects of drought.
General Motors and the United Auto Workers union have reached a tentative contract agreement that could end a six-week-old strike against Detroit automakers, three people briefed on the deal said.
Apple's 8pm ET event Monday will revolve around its iMAC computer lineup of products which are expected to contain its new faster and three next-generation silicon chip.
McDonald's reported better-than-expected profit and sales in the third quarter.
