U.S. Data Freeze Casts Uncertainty Across Global Markets

Washington: The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has halted the release of key economic reports, sending ripples of uncertainty across the world’s financial markets and policy circles.

Federal agencies responsible for producing crucial data, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Census Bureau, remain largely inactive due to the funding lapse. The interruption has left policymakers worldwide without reliable information on inflation, employment, and trade trends, making decisions on interest rates and economic planning more challenging.

In Japan, central bank officials have expressed concern about the lack of U.S. data, which they rely on to fine-tune monetary policy. In the United Kingdom, analysts have warned that the shutdown complicates forecasting and increases the risk