2025 ended much like it began and was marked by economic ambiguity. A record-long U.S. government shutdown in late Q3 and early Q4 disrupted the normal release of key monthly data like employment and CPI figures, leaving policymakers and analysts guessing more than usual about underlying trends.
That disruption amplified confusion at year-end. Some large indicators (like October jobs and CPI reports) were canceled or delayed, forcing data users to rely on partial releases and revised schedules.
