Labor Department Resumes CPI Work Amid Ongoing Shutdown; Other Data Remains Delayed

The U.S. Labor Department is bringing back staff to complete a critical inflation report, even as the federal government remains partially shut down. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for September 2025, which had been delayed due to the funding lapse, is now slated for release at 8:30 a.m. ET on Oct. 24, nine days later than originally planned.

A White House official confirmed that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) will promptly resume work on the CPI, citing the necessity for accurate data to support Social Security cost-of-living adjustments, which must be calculated and published before November 1.

Why CPI is Being Prioritized

The CPI measures price changes across a broad basket of goods and services, making it a key indicator of inflation and living costs. While other BLS reports, including the highly watched nonfarm payrolls, remain delayed due to the shutdown, the CPI has been given priority because Social Security benefits rely on timely data.

“The department had initially paused work on the CPI report in line with shutdown protocols,” the official said. “However, the Social Security Administration needs this data to adjust benefits for millions of Americans in the upcoming year, making the resumption essential.”

Other Data Remains on Hold

Beyond the CPI, several other high-profile economic indicators are still on pause due to the shutdown. The nonfarm payroll report, which tracks U.S. employment trends, along with weekly jobless claims, has not been published as scheduled. Lawmakers in the Senate have so far failed to pass funding legislation, prolonging the closure for the seventh consecutive day.

Economists note that missing labor data complicates market forecasting, as analysts and the Federal Reserve rely on these figures to gauge the strength of the economy. The CPI, while crucial for Social Security, offers only part of the broader economic picture.

Market Implications

The delay in employment data and other key economic releases could introduce short-term volatility in financial markets. Investors and policymakers are increasingly watching alternative data sources such as private payroll reports, online job postings, and state-level unemployment filings to fill gaps left by the BLS.

At the same time, the resumption of CPI reporting provides some clarity. Inflation data helps households, businesses, and financial institutions make decisions about spending, borrowing, and wage negotiations. Analysts expect September’s CPI to shed light on whether price pressures are continuing to ease or intensify, particularly for essentials such as food, energy, and housing.

Outlook

While the CPI report will now move forward, other data releases are dependent on Congress resolving the shutdown. Lawmakers face mounting pressure to restore full operations, as the longer the closure persists, the greater the risk of market disruption and uncertainty for policymakers, businesses, and consumers alike.

“The CPI is a lifeline in the midst of a data blackout,” said one economist following the situation. “It won’t replace employment and wage data, but it gives the government and the public a critical signal about the state of the economy.” For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.