Economic Policy Uncertainty Index: Categorical Index: Fiscal Policy (Taxes OR Spending)

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

Latest Value

493.70

Year-over-Year Change

411.54%

Date Range

1/1/1985 - 6/1/2025

Summary

The Economic Policy Uncertainty Index: Categorical Index for Fiscal Policy (Taxes or Spending) measures policy-related economic uncertainty around fiscal policy decisions.

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

This index tracks newspaper coverage of policy-related economic uncertainty, focusing specifically on fiscal policy such as taxes and government spending. It provides an objective, data-driven indicator of economic uncertainty that is widely used by policymakers, researchers, and market analysts.

Methodology

The index is constructed by analyzing the text of newspaper articles for keywords related to economic and policy uncertainty.

Historical Context

This index is a valuable tool for assessing the economic impact of policy debates and uncertainty around fiscal policy.

Key Facts

  • The index has been published since 1985.
  • Higher index values indicate greater policy-related economic uncertainty.
  • The index is used by the Federal Reserve and other policymakers.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The Economic Policy Uncertainty Index: Categorical Index for Fiscal Policy (Taxes or Spending) measures policy-related economic uncertainty around fiscal policy decisions, such as tax and spending policies.

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

A: This index provides an objective, data-driven indicator of economic uncertainty that is widely used by policymakers, researchers, and market analysts to assess the potential economic impact of policy debates and uncertainty around fiscal policy.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The index is constructed by analyzing the text of newspaper articles for keywords related to economic and policy uncertainty.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: The Economic Policy Uncertainty Index is used by the Federal Reserve and other policymakers to help inform their decision-making and assess the potential economic impact of policy debates and uncertainty.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The index is updated monthly and published with a brief delay, providing timely information on policy-related economic uncertainty.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Economic Policy Uncertainty Index: Categorical Index: Fiscal Policy (Taxes OR Spending) (EPUFISCAL), retrieved from FRED.