WASHINGTON — The government shutdown that began Wednesday will deprive policymakers and investors of economic data vital to their decision-making at a time of unusual uncertainty about the direction of the U.S. economy.

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The government shutdown will deprive policymakers and investors of economic data vital to their decision-making at a time of unusual uncertainty about the direction of the U.S. economy

The absence will be felt almost immediately, as the government's monthly jobs report scheduled for release Friday will likely be delayed

If the shutdown is short-lived, it won't be very disruptive, but if the release of economic data is delayed for several weeks or longer, it could pose challenges, particularly for the Federal Reserve

The Fed is grappling with where

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