Fiscal Cliff Talks Stalled

Reuters reports that negotiations on averting the “fiscal cliff” are at an apparent impasse.

The AP notes that not getting a deal before December 31 “would immediately change the political dynamics, making
it easier for many lawmakers – especially Republicans – to agree to a
second-chance compromise in the new year.”

“This scenario strikes a good number of Washington insiders as
irresponsible and improbable – who knows how the markets will react? But
others argue it will be easier to round up the congressional votes
needed for a big compromise if the deadline passes and lawmakers rush
back to Washington next month under a starkly new political reality.”

Financial Times: “No deal” tax stance suggests many Republicans are willing to go over the fiscal cliff.