Quarterly

BPCATC01SEQ636N • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

911,240,000.00

Year-over-Year Change

-12.83%

Date Range

1/1/1982 - 4/1/2014

Summary

This series measures the U.S. balance of payments current account on a quarterly basis. It is a key indicator of a country's international economic position and a useful metric for policymakers and analysts.

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 current account tracks the net value of a country's transactions with the rest of the world, including trade, investment income, and unilateral transfers. It is a comprehensive measure of a nation's international economic activity and can signal important economic trends.

Methodology

The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Historical Context

The current account balance is closely monitored by economists, policymakers, and financial markets.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. has run a current account deficit since the 1970s.
  • The current account deficit reached a peak of 6.3% of GDP in 2005.
  • The pandemic caused the U.S. current account deficit to widen in 2020.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The balance of payments current account measures the net value of a country's transactions with the rest of the world, including trade, investment income, and unilateral transfers.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: The current account balance is a comprehensive measure of a nation's international economic activity and can signal important economic trends, making it closely monitored by economists, policymakers, and financial markets.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: The current account balance is used by policymakers to assess a country's international economic position and inform policy decisions related to trade, investment, and macroeconomic management.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The current account data is published quarterly by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, with a typical delay of several weeks after the end of the quarter.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Balance of Payments Current Account (BPCATC01SEQ636N), retrieved from FRED.