White House Warns October Economic Data May Be Permanently Lost Due to Government Shutdown

This analysis is based on the Reuters report [1] published on November 12, 2025, regarding the White House announcement about impaired economic data collection.

The White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that October’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) and jobs reports may never be released due to disruptions caused by the 43-day government shutdown that began October 1, 2025 [1]. This represents an unprecedented challenge to the Federal Reserve’s ability to make informed monetary policy decisions, potentially leaving policymakers “flying blind” during a critical economic period [1].

The timing is particularly significant as the shutdown coincided with the entire month of October’s data collection period. While September’s jobs report (collected pre-shutdown) will be released, the October reports face permanent loss [1]. The White House claimed that Democrats may have permanently damaged the Federal Statistical system through this shutdown [1].

: The shutdown created a complete gap in official economic data for October 2025, disrupting the regular flow of information that markets and policymakers rely on for decision-making. This marks the first time in recent history that an entire month’s worth of core economic indicators may be permanently lost.

: Federal Reserve officials face unprecedented uncertainty without access to October’s inflation and employment data. This information gap occurs during what analysts describe as a “critical period” for monetary policy decisions [1], potentially forcing reliance on incomplete or alternative data sources.

: Financial markets must adjust to operating without official government statistics, potentially increasing reliance on private-sector data providers and alternative economic indicators. This shift could permanently alter how economic information is gathered and disseminated.

• Policy Uncertainty
  : The Federal Reserve may need to make crucial interest rate decisions without complete economic data, increasing the risk of policy missteps [1]
• Market Volatility
  : Lack of official economic indicators could significantly increase trading uncertainty and market volatility as investors grapple with information gaps
• Data Credibility Concerns
  : The long-term reliability of federal economic statistics may be questioned, potentially undermining confidence in government data sources
• Extended Impact
  : There is risk that shutdown effects could extend to November’s data collection efforts, creating a prolonged information vacuum

• Alternative Data Growth
  : Private sector data providers may see increased demand as markets seek reliable alternatives to government statistics
• Data Innovation
  : This crisis could accelerate development of new economic measurement tools and methodologies
• System Improvements
  : The disruption may prompt reforms to make the federal statistical system more resilient to future shutdowns

The 43-day government shutdown that began October 1, 2025, and ended November 12, 2025, has created an unprecedented gap in official economic data by disrupting federal statistics collection for the entire month of October [1]. The White House announcement indicates that October’s CPI and jobs reports may never be released, potentially leaving Federal Reserve policymakers without critical information during a crucial decision-making period [1]. This situation creates significant uncertainty for monetary policy and market operations, while also raising questions about the long-term reliability of the federal statistical system. The impact assessment suggests heightened market volatility and policy decision risks as stakeholders adapt to operating without complete official economic data [1].