Jobs Report Delay: What's Next for Interest Rates?

The September jobs report, delayed by the government shutdown, is now out. It's a big deal for the Federal Reserve as they decide on interest rates. The shutdown, the longest ever, held up many important reports. Some won't even come out until after the Fed's decision. The Fed has other data to look at, like retail sales and job turnover stats. But the missing government reports make it tougher for them to agree on what to do. Some Fed officials want to cut rates, others don't. They're worried about inflation and think the slowdown in jobs is due to fewer workers, not less demand. At their last meeting, the Fed cut rates a bit. But many thought they should wait. Now, they're split on whether to cut again in December. The jobs report might help them decide, but it's a close call. One economist thinks the rising unemployment rate is a sign the job market is cooling. But another believes the Fed will hold off on cutting rates, as they seem more focused on keeping inflation in check.