Oct. 3 at 7:28 PM
The U.S. government shutdown left investors without key economic data, but alternative sources are helping fill the gap. Firms like RavenPack, LinkUp, and Revelio Labs track real-time job postings to “nowcast” metrics like nonfarm payrolls and unemployment. Investors often combine multiple alternative datasets with official readings for a diversified view.
Recent private-sector payroll data from ADP showed contractions for a second month, while Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported slower layoffs but weak hiring plans—the weakest since 2009. ISM’s September services employment index remained below 50% for the fourth consecutive month, indicating contraction. Google search trends for “unemployment” suggest little incremental joblessness. Some government data, such as EIA weekly gasoline demand reports, continues despite the shutdown.
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