The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced Wednesday that it will not release an October jobs report, citing a lack of data collection during the government shutdown. BLS said it could not collect household data from the Current Population Survey, "which is not able to be retroactively collected." That information is central to the monthly jobs report and is used to calculate the unemployment rate.The collection period for November 2025 data will also be extended, BLS announced, and extra processing time wil ...

Group 1 - Economists are concerned that key economic data for October, particularly regarding inflation and unemployment, may be permanently lost due to the longest government shutdown in history [1][2] - The October unemployment rate will not be published for the first time in 77 years, although employment creation estimates will still be calculated [1][3] - The release of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for October remains uncertain, with indications that it may not be published [1][3] Group 2 - The government shutdown has created significant challenges for the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which is responsible for compiling key economic reports [1][4] - The BLS has lost 25% of its staff since February, and one-third of leadership positions remain vacant, complicating the recovery process [4] - Data collection for October will be less accurate due to the inability to conduct timely surveys of households and businesses during the shutdown [3][4] Group 3 - The economic reports for September are expected to be released soon, but they will be retrospective and not reflect the economic conditions during the shutdown [5] - The release of November's economic reports may also be delayed as the BLS prioritizes completing the September and October reports [5]

Core Points - The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) announced a delay in the release of the 2024 annual consumer spending data, originally scheduled for next Tuesday, without providing a reason or a new timeline for publication [1][4][5] Group 1: Delay Announcement - The BLS's announcement of the delay is unusual due to the lack of explanation or context, which has raised market concerns [4][5] - Last year's report also faced a delay, but the BLS provided a new release date and explained the reason for the postponement, which contrasts with the current situation [5][6] Group 2: Implications of the Delay - Analysts suggest that if the annual data can be finalized by the end of the year, there should be sufficient time to incorporate the new weights into the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for January 2026 [6] - Former BLS director William Beach indicated that the delay might simply be due to the publication process not being fully prepared, but he expressed concern if further delays occur [6] Group 3: Challenges Facing the BLS - The BLS is currently facing political pressure, staff shortages, and limited resources, which complicate its operations [7][8] - Following significant revisions to employment data, former BLS director Erika McEntarfer was dismissed, and the White House nominated E.J. Antoni to lead the agency, which has drawn criticism regarding its political implications [7] - An internal investigation has been initiated into the BLS's economic data collection processes, highlighting challenges in gathering and reporting critical economic data [7][8][9]

Core Insights - The provincial statistics bureau has introduced a new "Platform Economy Statistical Reporting System" while eliminating 17 indicators related to "prepaid accounts" from the "Service Industry Financial Status" reports, aiming to optimize survey design and reduce costs [1] - The bureau is actively promoting cost-saving measures and has implemented a paperless office initiative, resulting in a 60% reduction in paper purchases and nearly 50% reduction in consumable supplies since the end of last year [1] - The bureau has also taken steps to modernize its vehicle fleet by scrapping five old vehicles and adding two new energy vehicles through a rent-to-purchase model, saving 15,000 yuan in fuel costs over eight months [2] Group 1 - The introduction of the new statistical reporting system aims to leverage administrative records and big data resources to minimize disruptions to survey subjects and lower statistical survey costs [1] - The provincial statistics bureau has emphasized the importance of cost accounting awareness and management of expenditures across all levels of its operations [1] - The bureau has established fixed areas on each floor of its office building for shared multifunctional printers to support non-confidential printing needs [1] Group 2 - The bureau's efforts in government procurement and asset management include strict controls on expenditure and centralized purchasing of commonly used office supplies [1] - The implementation of the "rent instead of purchase" strategy for new energy vehicles is part of a broader initiative to reform the bureau's vehicle management and reduce operational costs [2] - The prevailing ethos of "saving expenses for the benefit of the people" has become a common practice within the provincial statistics system, ensuring that every expenditure is effectively utilized [2]