Powell: Declining availability of government data a concern

Federal Reserve Chairman Powell said on Wednesday that budget cuts have restricted some economic data from federal agencies, but have not yet affected the Fed's ability to fully assess the strength and direction of the U.S. economy. However, the downward trend in data availability is concerning. Powell said in response to a question from a senator at a Senate Banking Committee meeting, "I do not want anyone to think that the data has deteriorated to the point where we cannot understand the economy, although it is not perfect, the trend is worrisome."