It appears increasingly unlikely that there will be a stimulus deal before Election Day, as the weekend has passed with no final accord between the White House and Congressional Democrats, according to Bloomberg.

Like a horizon that is perpetually far no matter how long you pursue it, the administration and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) are apparently closer than ever, even when the prospects of an actual deal remain far away. Apparently the two sides have signaled a willingness to make compromises on some key sticking points: On shielding businesses from pandemic-related lawsuits, the speaker said she might accept such a provision on the condition that businesses were following government guidelines; on aid to state and local governments, the White House said it would be willing to compromise if the funds were specifically earmarked for transportation or private-sector job creation.

Despite these compromises, many are losing hope that a quick deal can be made. House members have already left the capital, and the Senate is expected to go on break once the Republican majority affirms the new Supreme Court justice. While either chamber can be called back within 24 hours for a vote, this seems increasingly unlikely. In this case, it would mean that any relief bill would need to come out of a possible lame-duck session, which could significantly alter the dynamics of the negotiations.

The Wall Street Journal said this continuing impasse, amid rising infections across the country, is a large factor in why the stock market began the trading day tepidly and has been getting weaker by the hour.