NFP and CPI Delayed to February 11 and 13 Respectively After End of Partial U.S. Government Shutdown

The January Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report will now be released on February 11, five days later than originally scheduled, following a brief partial government shutdown. Meanwhile, the January Consumer Price Index (CPI) and real earnings report will be delayed to February 13, and the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) has also been rescheduled to Thursday.


Payroll Expectations

Economists forecast 60,000 jobs added in January, after 50,000 in December, with the unemployment rate expected to remain at 4.4%. Early ADP data, however, showed a softer gain of 22,000 private-sector jobs, hinting at a slower hiring pace.

Market Impact

The delay adds short-term uncertainty for markets and policymakers. Investors are closely watching employment and inflation data, as they heavily influence Federal Reserve decisions on interest rates. The timing also overlaps with a busy earnings week, adding more variables for equity and bond markets.


Historical Perspective

Although unusual, delays in BLS reports are not unprecedented. Past government shutdowns have pushed back key employment and inflation releases, highlighting the sensitivity of markets to timely economic data.


What to Watch

The February 11 NFP report will provide crucial insight into U.S. labor conditions and help shape monetary policy expectations. Analysts and investors will also watch CPI trends to assess inflation pressures as 2026 unfolds.