Impact of Government Shutdown on Economic Data Releases

The ongoing government shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history, has severely disrupted the release of key economic data, particularly the October jobs report and the Consumer Price Index (CPI). White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on November 12, 2025, that these reports "will likely never be released," attributing the situation to the shutdown's impact on the federal statistical system. This has raised concerns among policymakers and economists about the implications for economic decision-making during a critical period.

The Straits TimesTransport TopicsCNBC

The shutdown has halted the collection and dissemination of vital economic indicators, including the monthly nonfarm payrolls count and the CPI, both produced by the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Other affected data includes retail sales, import and export statistics, and consumer spending metrics. Leavitt warned that the inability to release this data could leave Federal Reserve policymakers "flying blind," complicating their ability to make informed decisions regarding monetary policy.

CNBC

Leavitt's comments have drawn attention, particularly her assertion that the Democrats may have "permanently damaged the federal statistical system." This statement contrasts with earlier expectations from analysts, such as those at Morgan Stanley, who believed that the jobs report would be published shortly after the government reopened. Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, echoed concerns about the potential long-term effects on data collection, stating that some surveys may never be completed, leaving gaps in the economic narrative.

NBC News

Critics of the shutdown have pointed to the detrimental effects on economic transparency and decision-making. Economists have expressed concern that the lack of timely data could distort the understanding of the current economic landscape. Jerome Powell, Chair of the Federal Reserve, acknowledged the inconvenience of missing data but noted that alternative data sources suggest the macroeconomic outlook has not significantly changed since September.

CNBC

As the government prepares to reopen, economists from Goldman Sachs anticipate that the BLS will issue an updated schedule for data releases shortly thereafter. They expect the September jobs report to be released soon after reopening, while the October report may take longer to compile, potentially delaying its publication until early December. The reopening is contingent on the passage of a bipartisan spending agreement, which is expected to occur soon.

CNBC

Once the government reopens, federal agencies will need time to resume operations and address the backlog of data releases. The BLS and other departments will prioritize the publication of delayed reports, but the accuracy of the data may be compromised due to the extended shutdown. Economists warn that the absence of comprehensive data could hinder effective policy responses to ongoing economic challenges.

Quartz

• “The Democrats may have permanently damaged the Federal Statistical system with October CPI and jobs reports likely never being released,” — Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary

CNBC

• “We’re going to be staring a little bit in cloudy, cloudy weather for a while until we get the data agencies back up.” — Kevin Hassett, National Economic Council Director

Transport Topics

• “Conditions in the labor market appear to be gradually cooling, and inflation remains somewhat elevated.” — Jerome Powell, Chair of the Federal Reserve

CNBC