U.S. Government Shutdown Affects Economic Data Releases

According to BlockBeats, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) announced that no economic data will be released or collected during the government shutdown. This uncertainty affects the monthly non-farm payroll report scheduled for release this Friday. Additionally, the Labor Department's monthly inflation report, originally set for mid-October, may also be delayed depending on the shutdown's duration. The delay in economic data releases shifts market attention to alternative data sources, such as the ADP monthly private sector employment report, which is expected on Wednesday. Weekly initial jobless claims data, collected by individual states, are anticipated to continue without interruption. Furthermore, reports like the Federal Reserve's monthly industrial production data will be released as scheduled, as the Fed's funding is not dependent on congressional appropriations. Delayed reports will be published after the government resumes operations and data compilation is completed, although the quality of the data may be compromised. The impact on the inflation report is particularly significant, as the Labor Department relies on 'field price verification personnel' who monitor prices in various retail settings, and these individuals will be furloughed.