White House: October non-farm and inflation data may never be released

Odaily Planet Daily reports that White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that due to the government shutdown, key economic reports for October may not be released at all. Jean-Pierre said, “Democrats may have permanently damaged the federal statistical system; the October CPI and non-farm employment reports are very likely never to be published. The release of all this economic data will be permanently impaired, causing Federal Reserve policymakers to ‘fly blind’ during critical periods.” As the government shutdown continues for over six weeks, setting a record for the longest in history, Wall Street has been closely watching the release of important economic data. Other affected data includes retail sales, import and export figures, as well as consumer spending and income. Most economists previously expected all data to eventually be released, albeit with delays. However, Jean-Pierre’s comments cast a shadow over this expectation. She added that the shutdown could reduce economic growth in the fourth quarter by as much as 2 percentage points. (CNBC)