A shutdown would threaten the release of key data including Friday’s payrolls report, which economists expect would show subdued jobs growth in September. A weaker greenback makes precious metals cheaper for most buyers. Weaker employment figures would bolster the case for easing by Fed officials at their next rate decision in October — a scenario that would make non-interest bearing precious metals more attractive. Gold has soared 45% this year, setting successive peaks on central-bank demand and a resumption of interest-rate cuts by the Fed. Banks including Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Deutsche Bank AG have said they expect the rally to extend.