Expenses for Collection Agencies, All Establishments, Employer Firms

CAEAEEF356144 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

10,672.00

Year-over-Year Change

10.94%

Date Range

1/1/2003 - 1/1/2022

Summary

This economic trend measures the expenses incurred by collection agencies across all U.S. establishments. It provides insights into the debt collection industry and can be a leading indicator of consumer financial stress.

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 Expenses for Collection Agencies, All Establishments, Employer Firms data series tracks the operating costs of collection agencies, which play a crucial role in managing outstanding consumer and business debts. This metric offers economists and policymakers a window into the financial health of households and businesses.

Methodology

The data is collected through surveys of U.S. establishments and compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Historical Context

This trend is used by analysts to monitor consumer credit conditions and debt resolution activities.

Key Facts

  • Collection agencies generate over $13 billion in annual revenue.
  • The U.S. has over 6,000 collection agencies employing more than 300,000 people.
  • Debt collection is a leading source of consumer complaints to the CFPB.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This trend measures the total expenses incurred by collection agencies across all U.S. establishments, providing insights into the debt collection industry.

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

A: This metric offers economists and policymakers a window into the financial health of households and businesses, as collection agency expenses are a leading indicator of consumer financial stress.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through surveys of U.S. establishments and compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: This trend is used by analysts to monitor consumer credit conditions and debt resolution activities, which are relevant for economic and financial policymaking.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is published quarterly with a lag of several months, so there may be delays in reflecting the latest economic conditions.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Expenses for Collection Agencies, All Establishments, Employer Firms (CAEAEEF356144), retrieved from FRED.