Quarterly, Not Seasonally Adjusted
BOPBMN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
-158.91
Year-over-Year Change
-1.28%
Date Range
1/1/1960 - 1/1/2014
Summary
The 'Quarterly, Not Seasonally Adjusted' series measures the U.S. balance of payments, a key metric for assessing the country's international economic position.
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
The balance of payments tracks all transactions between U.S. residents and the rest of the world, including trade, investment, and financial flows. This data is crucial for policymakers and analysts to understand the nation's economic health and external accounts.
Methodology
The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Historical Context
This trend is closely monitored by economists, investors, and policymakers to gauge the U.S. economic outlook and potential trade and financial risks.
Key Facts
- The U.S. has run a consistent trade deficit since the 1970s.
- China is the largest holder of U.S. debt, at over $1 trillion.
- The balance of payments reflects both goods/services trade and financial transactions.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The 'Quarterly, Not Seasonally Adjusted' series tracks the U.S. balance of payments, which includes the trade balance, investment flows, and other cross-border transactions.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: The balance of payments is a crucial indicator of a country's international economic position and can signal potential risks or imbalances that policymakers and investors need to monitor.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis as part of the national accounts.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and economists closely follow the balance of payments to assess the broader economic outlook, potential trade risks, and the sustainability of the country's external accounts.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The 'Quarterly, Not Seasonally Adjusted' series is released by the Federal Reserve with a lag of approximately 3 months from the end of the reference quarter.
Related Trends
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Quarterly, Not Seasonally Adjusted (BOPBMN), retrieved from FRED.