Access to comprehensive economic data has been disrupted due to a federal government shutdown, creating challenges for analysts attempting to assess the current state of the U.S. economy. With key reports from agencies such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Census Bureau delayed or suspended, decision-makers are left relying on incomplete or outdated indicators. This lack of timely information complicates forecasting efforts, especially as policymakers and investors seek clarity amid shifting market conditions and inflation trends. The absence of fresh employment, retail sales, and manufacturing figures has led some private-sector economists to lean more heavily on alternative data sources, including credit card spending patterns and freight movement statistics. However, these proxies cannot fully replace official metrics. The situation underscores the broader impact of political gridlock on economic transparency and public trust in institutions. As the shutdown continues, uncertainty grows over how long the data void will persist and what long-term effects it may have on economic planning and policy formulation.
— news from Financial Times
— News Original —
US economic outlook obscured by shutdown-triggered data gap
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