Shutdown May Prevent October CPI Release

The U.S. government shutdown, now in its fourth week, has furloughed roughly 700,000 workers and suspended many statistical operations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has not collected price data since Oct. 1, prompting warnings that the October Consumer Price Index may not be produced. The BLS did issue a belated September CPI to meet the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment deadline, showing a 0.3% month-over-month rise and about 3.0% annual inflation, with gasoline the largest monthly contributor and core inflation edging down. Officials and economists say the resulting data gap could leave markets, businesses, families and the Federal Reserve “flying blind” ahead of a key policy meeting. The shutdown’s data disruption has spilled abroad: Statistics Canada delayed its September merchandise trade report until the U.S. Census Bureau resumes operations and a joint release date has been set. Many households also face lost or delayed pay as federal services and payroll operations remain disrupted.