Summary
The U.S. government shutdown has stopped the release of crucial economic data, including the jobs report for September. This lack of information makes it harder for the Federal Reserve, policymakers, and investors to understand the current state of the economy. Economists are using alternative sources, but these still show minimal hiring and stable job security.
Key Facts
- The U.S. government shutdown delayed the release of September's jobs report.
- The last time a jobs report was delayed by a shutdown was in 2013.
- The shutdown is preventing the release of weekly unemployment claim data.
- Economists use data from nonprofits and private companies to gauge employment.
- ADP reported a loss of 32,000 private-sector jobs in September.
- Despite low hiring, layoffs remain low according to alternative data.
- The government shutdown results from a political standoff between the White House and Senate Democrats.
