Federal Net Outlays as Percent of Gross Domestic Product

This dataset tracks federal net outlays as percent of gross domestic product over time.

Latest Value

23.13

Year-over-Year Change

6.62%

Date Range

1/1/1929 - 1/1/2024

Summary

The Federal Net Outlays as Percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measures the total government spending as a proportion of the nation's economic output. It is a key indicator of fiscal policy and the size of the public sector.

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 economic indicator tracks the federal government's total expenditures, including mandatory and discretionary spending, as a percentage of the country's GDP. It provides insight into the government's role in the broader economy and is used by policymakers and analysts to assess the fiscal stance.

Methodology

The data is calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis using information from the National Income and Product Accounts.

Historical Context

The trend is widely followed by economists, investors, and policymakers to evaluate the government's fiscal policies and their potential impact on economic growth, inflation, and public debt.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. federal net outlays averaged 20.3% of GDP from 1947 to 2022.
  • Outlays peaked at 31.2% of GDP in 2020 due to COVID-19 relief spending.
  • Historically, federal net outlays have ranged from 16.6% to 24.4% of GDP.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The Federal Net Outlays as Percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measures the total federal government spending as a proportion of the nation's economic output.

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

A: This indicator provides insight into the government's role in the broader economy and is used by policymakers and analysts to assess the fiscal stance and potential impact on economic growth, inflation, and public debt.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis using information from the National Income and Product Accounts.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: The Federal Net Outlays as Percent of GDP trend is widely followed by economists, investors, and policymakers to evaluate the government's fiscal policies and their potential impact on the economy.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is typically updated on a quarterly basis with a slight delay, and may be subject to revisions as more complete information becomes available.

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Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Federal Net Outlays as Percent of Gross Domestic Product (FYONGDA188S), retrieved from FRED.