The US Bureau of Labor Statistics acknowledged releasing Consumer Price Index (CPI) data prematurely by 30 minutes on Wednesday. This error occurred when a subset of files was uploaded to their website ahead of schedule, as stated in a Wednesday evening announcement on the BLS website.
Typically, the BLS releases its monthly consumer price report at 8:30 a.m. in Washington, adhering to strict protocols to prevent early disclosure. These figures hold significant weight for both Wall Street investors and central bank officials, offering insights into economic trends.
This incident comes in the wake of previous scrutiny regarding the BLS's handling of economic data. A month earlier, Bloomberg News reported on communications between a BLS economist and major Wall Street firms like JPMorgan Chase & Co. and BlackRock Inc., raising concerns about fair access to economic information.
The premature release of CPI data is expected to prompt a comprehensive review of how economic information is disseminated. Such reviews carry implications for asset trading practices and Federal Reserve policy decisions.