Typically, October is referred to as “spooky season” by Halloween enthusiasts who revel to engage and participate in the cultural holiday’s uncanny traditions and festivities. In 2025, October will forever be enshrined as “shutdown season”, as the U.S. government shutdown that commenced on October 1 lasted throughout the month’s entire 31-day span. An unwelcomed by-product of the month-long shutdown, fundamental and crucial official government economic data collection and rel

The U.S. economy continues to navigate a complex landscape shaped by evolving monetary policy, the early effects of sweeping fiscal legislation, and consumer uncertainty. In September, the Federal Reserve initiated its first rate cut of the year, lowering the federal funds target range to 4.00% – 4.25%, citing growing risks to employment and a softening labor market. The move marked a shift from the Fed’s earlier stance of holding rates steady, and it signaled a more accommo