Data went dark this month. The government shutdown is halting the collection and release of statistics tracking the job market, public health and crop production, as well as other economic indicators.

Why it matters: The numbers are critical for understanding what's happening in the U.S., particularly at a moment of rapid change in both government policies and in the job market.

How it works: Businesses use gold-standard government data, like the jobs report, to set wages and make hiring, pricing and investment decisions. • Investors watch the numbers so closely that they can drive big stock reactions. Policymakers use the data to set minimum wage standards and increase food assistance or other important benefits.

Where it stands: Since the shutdown began on Oct. 1, government agencie

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