Global shares mostly decline as markets brace for a possible US government shutdown

Global shares mostly decline as markets brace for a possible US government shutdown Updated 20 mins ago Global shares are mostly lower in narrow trading as investors brace for a possible U.S. government shutdown. Shares are declining in early Tuesday trading in France, Germany and Britain. Earlier in Asia, benchmarks finished lower in Japan, Australia and South Korea, while gaining in China. U.S. futures and oil prices fell. China reported lackluster data on factory activity. The U.S. government is nearing a budget deadline that could result in its shutdown. Past shutdowns have had minimal impact on markets and the economy. If the stalemate between Democrats and Republicans persists, that could delay the collection and release of economic data.