Bureau of Labor Statistics delays release of key annual report central to future inflation data, with no reason or new date provided

Bureau of Labor Statistics delays release of key annual report central to future inflation data, with no reason or new date provided

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has postponed the release of a key annual report central to future inflation data, without providing a reason or a new release date. The BLS, responsible for collecting critical data on employment, prices, and more, did not explain the delay or the anticipated release date in its announcement on Friday, September 19, 2025 .

The delayed report, which includes consumer expenditures data, is crucial for determining the weighting of specific goods and services in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the upcoming year. The data also offers insights into consumer activity, expenditures, income, and demographic information .

The postponement has raised concerns about the accuracy and independence of the BLS's data, given the agency's recent history of politicization and staffing issues. Last year, the BLS postponed the release of the same report, but provided more details, including a new publication date and a correction for an error .

The BLS has faced challenges in data collection due to staffing shortages and budget cuts. Additionally, the agency has been under fire from the White House, with the former head abruptly fired and a new nominee facing criticism from prominent economists .

Investors and financial professionals should closely monitor the situation, as the delayed report could impact future inflation data and, consequently, stock market trends and interest rates. The BLS has not provided a timeline for the release of the report, leaving investors in the dark about when to expect the critical data .