Core Viewpoint - The U.S. federal government shutdown has severely impacted the release of critical economic data, including the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and employment statistics for October, which may never be published, leaving the Federal Reserve without essential information for decision-making [1][2]. Group 1: Impact of Government Shutdown - The shutdown has led to the Labor Statistics Bureau being largely inactive, affecting its data collection and reporting functions [2]. - The October CPI and employment data may be permanently compromised, resulting in incomplete information for the Federal Reserve during crucial decision-making periods [1][3]. Group 2: Consequences for Economic Policy - The inability to release timely economic data could hinder global investment decisions and the formulation of U.S. monetary policy [3]. - The Federal Reserve is scheduled to meet in December, and if the October data remains unavailable, it may have to make decisions based on incomplete information [3]. Group 3: Alternative Data Sources - To address the data gap, Automatic Data Processing (ADP) has introduced weekly employment data reports, although experts caution that private sector data cannot replace comprehensive government statistics [3].

Core Points - The U.S. government shutdown has lasted for a month, significantly impacting federal agencies and public services [1] - The shutdown has led to missed deadlines and a lack of critical economic data, complicating the Federal Reserve's ability to assess the economy [5][8] - The ongoing situation has resulted in substantial financial losses for businesses and potential long-term economic damage if it continues [17] Group 1: Impact on Federal Operations - The shutdown began on October 1, with approximately 750,000 federal employees furloughed, causing various public services to halt [3] - Key statistical reports, such as the monthly employment data and the Consumer Price Index (CPI), have been delayed, affecting economic assessments [5][8] - The federal court system has also been severely affected, with 33,000 staff members facing unpaid leave due to funding depletion [10] Group 2: Economic Consequences - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reported that businesses contracted with the federal government have lost approximately $12 billion in the first four weeks of the shutdown [17] - Small businesses are losing about $3 billion weekly, indicating a significant strain on the economy [17] - The Congressional Budget Office warned that prolonged shutdown could result in economic losses ranging from $7 billion to $14 billion [17] Group 3: Future Implications - The shutdown is set to extend beyond November 1, risking the longest shutdown in U.S. history if a temporary funding bill is not passed by November 5 [21] - The Agriculture Department has suspended its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, affecting around 42 million people [20] - The potential for increased flight delays and security issues during the Thanksgiving travel season raises concerns about public safety and operational efficiency [22]