US government shutdowns raise uncertainty but rarely have lasting effect on economy

(Reuters) -The U.S. government shutdown has thrown the brakes on the flow of federal economic data at a moment of uncertainty and division among policymakers like those at the Federal Reserve about the health of the U.S. job market, the trajectory of inflation and the strength of consumer spending and business investment.

But the shutdown itself – if history is any guide – is unlikely to leave a lasting imprint on the U.S. economy itself, even if it leaves policymakers and investors flying somewhat blind for an unknown stretch.

Over the last half century, the 20 previous shutdowns have lasted on average eight days and a median of four days, hardly long enough for the suspension of some government services and pay to federal workers to crater the economy.

That doesn’t mean it isn’t a hea