The government shutdown has stopped the release of September’s jobs report, putting key federal economic data at risk of delays, including inflation figures that determine next year’s Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The Bureau of Labor Statistics did not publish the employment report, showing job losses in June and rising unemployment. Private data indicated weakness, with ADP reporting a job loss of 32,000 in September. The shutdown could delay September inflation data needed for the 2026 Social Security COLA calculation, affecting over 70 million Americans. The Federal Reserve may face uncertainty without updated data for its late-October policy meeting.

Read more at Quiver Quantitative: Government Shutdown Delays Jobs Report and Risks Social Security COLA Timeline