Government shutdown leaves Wall Street vulnerable to any surprise moves

Investors are dealing with a government data blackout due to the shutdown. Michael Nagle/Bloomberg/Getty Images New York —

Stocks were higher Friday as Wall Street dealt with a government data blackout that has left investors without the usual gold-standard indicators of the health of the economy.

The crucial monthly jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics was not published Friday and is among the data that will be delayed at least until the government shutdown ends.

Stocks are shrugging off concerns, with the Dow up 415 points, or 0.9%, Friday morning. But the lack of government data leaves investors, economists and policymakers with a murkier view of the economy at a crucial moment when stocks are rallying but concerns are mounting about a weaker labor market and stic