The government shutdown has cost the U.S. economy $3.6 billion so far

People rally against the partial federal government shutdown outside the U.S. Capitol. Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images

The government shutdown has shaved about $3.6 billion off the U.S. economy as of Friday, according to estimates by S&P Global Ratings.

Why it matters: The economic cost in dollars are so far minimal to the $19 trillion economy and some of it will be recovered when workers recoup wages one the government reopens. But, as S&P points out, some of the economic pain, like lost productivity from furloughed employees, can't be recovered.