Data Integrity Fears Cloud US Economic Outlook

A new Reuters poll has revealed that top policy experts are increasingly worried about the quality and reliability of official US economic data. Fully 89 out of 100 surveyed experts said they are disturbed by signs of data degradation and believe the current political leadership is not addressing potential structural issues with sufficient urgency. This concern over “data drift” has profound implications, since US statistics are widely considered the gold standard that informs trillions of dollars in global investment and trade.

Capital markets rely on timely, accurate release of data for everything from employment and inflation forecasts to corporate earnings guidance and consumer sentiment. Any cracks in the integrity of US data risk eroding confidence in global benchmarks, with possible fallout for dollar-denominated assets and the risk profiles of emerging markets.

The business community is now mobilizing to advocate for reforms and independent oversight of government statistical agencies. As the world’s largest economy turns a critical eye inward, the outcome of this debate could redefine how international investors interpret the signals that drive asset allocation and risk decisions globally.