DIY data

Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong discuss the impact of the US federal government shutdown on economic data and how investors are turning to alternative data sources to understand the US economy. They analyze data from Challenger, Gray, and Christmas regarding job cuts, as well as data from ADP on job creation, and weekly initial jobless claims. They also discuss company earnings reports, consumer behavior based on insights from Chipotle and Colgate-Palmolive, and the potential implications for bond derivatives. The hosts explore the challenges of interpreting economic signals in the absence of official data, the biases in reporting news, and the caution required by central bankers in declaring victory over inflation.