Last month, in its Advance Report on Durable Goods Manufacturer's Shipments and Orders report for September, the Commerce Department announced that this month's report would be issued today, Novermber 29.

Well, I guess we're still seeing some aftershocks from the furloughing of goverment employees during the recent impasse between the executive and legislative branches. The October durable goods report will be delayed until tomorrow.

I know you're all sorely disappointed; ) But, it's not my fault. As a representative of the IRS once said to me: "I'm not reponsible for the policies of the goverment. If you've got a complaint call or write [or E-mail] your elected representatives."

I'll be back tomorrow with the Durable Goods news, the next installment in the ongoing saga of weekly jobless claims, and whatever else of note reveals itself in the old crystal ball.

Byline: Lafferty (MF Merlin)