Everything's an economic indicator these days — from offbeat numbers on restaurant reservations and visits to the Statue of Liberty to more standard info on job listings.
Why it matters: Companies and investors are scrambling for alternatives to the data put out by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which halted almost all releases in the government shutdown.
President Trump and his administration prepared to lay off thousands of federal workers on Friday, using the government shutdown as an opportunity to target agencies that aren't aligned with the president's views.
Why it matters: The mass layoffs could further decimatea federal workforce already down 200,000 employees since Trump retook office, sending away thousands more who are in charge of crafting America's health care, education and environmental policy.
President Trump threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese goods next month if China follows through on plans to tighten export controls on minerals critical to American industry.
Why it matters: It is the latest escalation of trade tensions between the world's two largest economies, just hours after Trump said he might cancel a planned meeting with President Xi Jinping.
Qatar will build an Air Force facility at Idaho's Mountain Home Airbase to host its F-15 jets and train pilots, the U.S. and Qatar jointly announced on Friday.
Sam's Club is giving members more time to shop by rolling out longer hours nationwide ahead of the holiday rush, the company confirmed to Axios.
Why it matters: The move gives shoppers more flexibility — especially on weekends — as warehouse clubs compete to capture more of Americans' grocery and bulk-buy budgets.
The Consumer Price Index for September will publish Oct. 24 despite the government shutdown, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced Friday.
Why it matters: Resuming the release demonstrates the political power of Social Security — the CPI is crucial to determining Social Security's annual cost of living adjustment, known as COLA.
Chinese tech stocks have ripped higher from their April lows, surging over 44% year-to-date, more than double the Magnificent 7 over the same period.
Why it matters: China's tech sector is positioned for more gains given Beijing's efforts to buoy its economy and compete in the AI race, market strategists tell Axios.
No hiring. No firing. No switching jobs. No higher salaries.
"The labor market is 'bed rotting' right now," Ed Al-Hussainy, rates strategist with Columbia Threadneedle investments, tells Axios, referring to the viral term for staying in bed all day doing nothing.
Why it matters: The longer the labor market naps, the harder it will be to wake it up, which could cause problems for the economy and for the stock market.
The second Monday in October — Oct. 13 this year — is a federal holiday officially known as Columbus Day, but an increasing number of states and cities now mark it as Indigenous Peoples Day instead.
Why it matters: The shift reflects a growing national effort to recognize Native American history and resilience over honoring Christopher Columbus, whose legacy is tied to colonization and violence against Indigenous peoples.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is calling some employees back from furlough to work on a key inflation report, a Trump administration official said Thursday night.
Why it matters: That data from the Consumer Price Index, or CPI, is crucial to figuring out the annual Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment, or COLA — and has been delayed in the government shutdown.
