When the Lights Go Out: The Shutdown, Missing Data, and a Sky Full of Supermoons

Zachary Schwartz
Oct 6
2 min read

Crowd gazes at a massive, detailed moon in a cityscape. People stand on rooftops and streets. "Town Team Mortgage" text visible. Night scene. — By the light of the silvery moon

As the government shutdown stretches into its second week, Americans are noticing more than just empty desks at federal buildings. The ripple effects are touching everything from economic data releases to court schedules; and even this month’s view of the night sky.

Shutdown Impact - The Silence of the Numbers

Key economic reports that guide markets, mortgage rates, and business forecasts are on hold. The Bureau of Labor Statistics can’t publish its September jobs report, and the Consumer Price Index (normally a critical driver of rate policy) may be delayed as well. Without these updates, investors and analysts are flying blind, relying on private-sector estimates to fill the gaps.

For homebuyers and mortgage professionals, this data drought adds uncertainty. Lenders watch inflation and employment trends closely to gauge interest rate direction, and every missing report muddies the outlook. While the Federal Reserve can access some internal data, its public communications will be constrained, leaving markets to speculate.

Shutdown Impact - The COLA Conundrum

The Social Security Administration had planned to announce its 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) later this month, based on inflation figures that may now be postponed. That could delay millions of retirees from learning how much their benefits will increase next year. For many Americans on fixed incomes, that uncertainty feeds into broader household planning (from medical costs to mortgage or rent payments).

Shutdown Impact - Courts on Pause

The federal judiciary announced it can maintain operations through at least October 17 using existing funds. After that, courts will begin reducing staff and prioritizing only essential cases. Civil, bankruptcy, and immigration proceedings could face growing backlogs. Homebuyers dealing with estate or title disputes may experience paperwork delays, as related court filings or verifications slow down.

Shutdown Impact - What It Means for Homebuyers and Homeowners

The mortgage industry runs on data and predictability. When those inputs are disrupted, whether it’s a missing inflation print or delayed income verification, the process slows. Some loan programs that require IRS transcripts or federal employment confirmations are already facing longer turnaround times.

Town Team Mortgage is advising clients to stay patient and keep documents current. Rate volatility may continue, but long-term fundamentals still point toward easing inflation and a gradual stabilization in housing demand once federal operations resume.

A Bit of Light

If you need a break from the headlines, look up. The U.S. is entering a rare sequence of four consecutive supermoons this fall, starting this week. Astronomers say the series will make the moon appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter. For everyone feeling the weight of the shutdown, it’s a timely reminder that even in moments of gridlock, the bigger picture keeps moving.

Bottom Line

The shutdown has slowed the data, stalled the courts, and clouded the policy horizon. But as with every previous pause, the lights will come back on. Until then, steady planning (and perhaps a look at the night sky) can help keep perspective.

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