"Fed's mouthpiece": Government shutdown means key interest rate hike node will be postponed

Odaily Planet Daily News Nick Timiraos, "Fed's mouthpiece", said that Federal Reserve officials are walking a tightrope. They must curb inflation while avoiding an unnecessary severe economic slowdown. A prolonged government shutdown means they may have to "walk a tightrope blindfolded." If the U.S. Congress fails to pass a temporary financing measure by Sunday, the closure of some institutions may delay the release of the latest economic data on wages, employment, inflation and output. Timiraos pointed out that a government shutdown lasting more than two weeks may prevent officials from obtaining key information at the November interest rate meeting to decide whether to raise interest rates.