Washington: Global investors are turning their attention to private-sector employment figures this week as the ongoing US government shutdown halts the release of official labour data, including the key non-farm payrolls report. The unusual data blackout has forced markets to rely on private surveys and corporate updates to gauge the strength of the American job market a crucial indicator for future interest rate decisions.

The private employment report, typically overshadowed by official statistics, is now gaining rare prominence. Analysts say the figures will serve as a key guide for traders and policymakers trying to understand whether the US economy is cooling or holding firm after months of policy tightening.

Market watchers note that the lack of official data could increase vola

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