A post-shutdown fog will hang over the U.S. economy for months

The longest government shutdown in U.S. history concluded last night, after Congress passed a bill, which was quickly signed into law , to restore government functions and resume normal activity. But one key impact will continue to be felt for m onths to come.

Throughout the 43-day shutdown, key economic data was not gathered and the release of crucial economic indicators was delayed.

In fact, the White House now says jobs and inflation data for October may never be released because of the shutdown.

“All of that economic data released will be permanently impaired, leaving our policymakers at the Fed, flying blind at a critical period,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, referring to the Federal Reserve, the U.S. central bank.

That lack of data has already cast a fog