WASHINGTON — The government shutdown that began Wednesday will deprive policymakers and investors of economic data vital to their decision-making at a time of unusual uncertainty about the direction of the U.S. economy.

What You Need To Know • The government shutdown will deprive policymakers and investors of economic data vital to their decision-making at a time of unusual uncertainty about the direction of the U.S. economy • The absence will be felt almost immediately, as the government's monthly jobs report scheduled for release Friday will likely be delayed • If the shutdown is short-lived, it won't be very disruptive, but if the release of economic data is delayed for several weeks or longer, it could pose challenges, particularly for the Federal Reserve • The Fed is grapplin

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