This Week’s Rate Watch: Government Shutdown Drama and a Data‑Packed Calendar – As October begins, markets are bracing for two big events: the possible U.S. government shutdown and the release (or delay) of the September jobs report. This post explains the economic stakes if Congress doesn’t pass a funding bill by midnight, highlights the Fed’s recent rate cut and how another cut depends on incoming data, and breaks down what to watch if the jobs report is delayed. Plus, it outlines key data releases—JOLTS, ADP payrolls, consumer confidence, factory orders and ISM indexes—that could move mortgage and treasury rates. The article also offers a visual timeline to help readers grasp the week’s critical events and scenarios for interest rates. Stay tuned for Thursday’s follow‑up on whether the shutdown actually happened.