NEW YORK (NewsNation) — The Federal Reserve is expected to announce its latest move on interest rates Wednesday as the government shutdown enters its fourth week.

The shutdown has halted the flow of key economic reports that usually guide critical rate decisions, leaving the Fed without fresh data and market figures.

Investors expect the Fed to announce a rate cut for the second time this year, given the slowing job market. Given the lack of statistical updates, analysts said Fed officials may opt for caution.

A new University of Michigan survey showed consumer confidence continues to fall under the strain of inflation. Confidence is down to 53.6%, the survey found, down 1.5 points from last month and nearly 17% from a year ago.

Inflation ticked up in September

The September consumer

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