The losses from Gustav are significant, but not nearly as bad as they could have been.

That's the early read regarding onshore / offshore property and infrastructure damaged caused by Hurricane Gustav, with losses pegged at $4 billion to $10 billion, according to estimates by Risk Management Solutions. In contrast, Hurricane Katrina in 2005 caused about $50 billion in damages.

Risk Management said losses from Gustav were lessened by the fact that the storm weakened, and hit the coastline as a Category 2 hurricane, and the fact that it came ashore about 70 miles southwest of New Orleans. Those factors, combined with better preparation by companies with vulnerable property in the area, will result in lower damages totals, Risk Management said.

However, RMS was quick to point out that the $4-10 billion damage total does not include loses from flooding in New Orleans that could occur in the days ahead.

Gustav: Little U.S. GDP impact

Economist David H. Wang, who runs U.S. GDP models each quarter, said Tuesday he expects "only a minimal U.S. GDP impact from Gustav."

"Of course human safety is the primary concern. But regarding regional GDP, the Southeast U.S. will incur a 0.1-0.3% GDP reduction in the third quarter from the hurricane, but the overall impact on U.S. GDP will be minimal," Wang said.