The US Labour Department today announced it would not release September labour market data tomorrow because of the political budget impasse which has shut down the government.
The data, which includes an update of the unemployment rate and an estimate of jobs growth during the month, is normally closely watched as an indicator of the strength of the US economy, and often has a significant impact on markets.
The department had said earlier this week it would likely have to put off the release after the stalemate in Congress over the budget for fiscal 2014, which began on October 1, forced a partial shutdown of the government on Tuesday.
"Due to the lapse in funding, the Employment Situation release which provides data on employment during the month of September... Will not be issued as scheduled," the department said.
"An alternative release date has not been scheduled.
