Seasonally Adjusted
AUTOSL • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
467.90
Year-over-Year Change
11.09%
Date Range
1/1/1943 - 4/1/1999
Summary
Seasonally adjusted data removes predictable seasonal variations to reveal underlying economic trends more clearly. This statistical technique allows for more accurate comparisons across different time periods by filtering out recurring seasonal patterns.
Analysis & Context
This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.
Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.
About This Dataset
Seasonal adjustment helps economists and analysts understand the true economic trajectory by eliminating cyclical fluctuations caused by weather, holidays, and annual events. The process uses statistical models to smooth out predictable variations, providing a clearer picture of fundamental economic changes.
Methodology
Economists use complex statistical techniques like the X-12-ARIMA method to calculate seasonal adjustments by analyzing historical data patterns and removing recurring seasonal influences.
Historical Context
Policymakers and financial analysts rely on seasonally adjusted data to make more informed decisions about economic trends, monetary policy, and investment strategies.
Key Facts
- Seasonal adjustment helps isolate underlying economic trends
- The technique is crucial for comparing data across different time periods
- It removes predictable cyclical variations from economic data
FAQs
Q: Why is seasonal adjustment important?
A: Seasonal adjustment allows economists to compare economic data across different periods by removing predictable seasonal variations. This provides a more accurate view of underlying economic trends.
Q: How does seasonal adjustment work?
A: Seasonal adjustment uses statistical models to identify and remove recurring patterns caused by seasonal factors like holidays, weather, and annual events. This reveals the true economic trend beneath surface-level fluctuations.
Q: What types of data are typically seasonally adjusted?
A: Common seasonally adjusted data include employment figures, retail sales, industrial production, and economic output measurements. These indicators often have predictable seasonal variations.
Q: Who uses seasonally adjusted data?
A: Policymakers, economists, financial analysts, and investors use seasonally adjusted data to make more informed decisions about economic trends and potential future developments.
Q: Are there limitations to seasonal adjustment?
A: Seasonal adjustment methods can sometimes over-smooth data or miss unique economic shifts. Analysts must carefully interpret seasonally adjusted figures in conjunction with other economic indicators.
Related Trends
Total Securitized Consumer Credit, Flow
FLTOTALSEC
Revolving Securitized Consumer Credit, Flow
FLREVOLNSEC
Total Consumer Credit Owned by Credit Unions
TOTALTCU
Nonrevolving Consumer Credit Owned by Nonprofit and Educational Institutions, Flow
FLNREVNEI
Nonrevolving Consumer Credit Securitized by Nonfinancial Business
DTCNLNHNNM
Total Consumer Credit Owned by Depository Institutions, Flow
FLTOTALDI
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Seasonally Adjusted [AUTOSL], retrieved from FRED.
Last Checked: 8/1/2025