Beat The Clock: Reid Cites 'Tremendous Progress' In Debt Ceiling Talks

As night fell over the Capitol on Monday, Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid struck a tone of optimism.

Talks with his Republican counterpart, Mitch McConnell, to end the partial government shutdown and avoid a U.S. default had made tremendous progress, he said.

"Perhaps," he added, "tomorrow will be a bright day."

That, indeed, is the hope among investors, world leaders and regular Americans weary of the government stalemate.

Financial markets that began the day Monday with falling stocks ended higher at day's end, with Wall Street heartened by news of a possible deal.

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