Prime Minister John Key says the Government will assess the global financial situation before making decisions about the partial sales of state assets.
The New Zealand sharemarket was down 2.8% at the close of trade on Monday in response to America's credit rating downgrade and concern about continuing debt problems in Europe.
Labour leader Phil Goff says the global uncertainty strengthens his party's argument against the Government's proposal to partially sell some state assets, as earnings from those state-owned enterprises will be lost for future revenue.
Mr Key says the Government will take the uncertainty into account.
"Obviously, you assess that on a case-by-case basis and whether they're a public entity or private sector company looking to go the equity market you always have to have a mind for what's happening.
"But we've got time on our side and what's happening today isn't necessarily going to be what the position will be like in 12 or 18 months' time."
The Prime Minister says the US credit downgrade from AAA to AA+ by Standard and Poor's on Friday sends a clear message that America must get its books in order.
Mr Key says that, relative to many other economies, New Zealand is in a good position in terms of public debt, unemployment rates and potential economic growth from the Rugby World Cup and the rebuilding of Christchurch.
