Future General Activity, Perceptions of Respondents for their Firm; Diffusion Index for Federal Reserve District 3: Philadelphia
This dataset tracks future general activity, perceptions of respondents for their firm; diffusion index for federal reserve district 3: philadelphia over time.
Latest Value
11.70
Year-over-Year Change
-61.39%
Date Range
3/1/2011 - 7/1/2025
Summary
This economic indicator measures the diffusion index of future general activity as perceived by survey respondents in Federal Reserve District 3 (Philadelphia). It provides insights into business expectations and confidence in the regional economy.
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 future general activity diffusion index reflects the share of surveyed firms in the Philadelphia Federal Reserve District that expect an increase in general business activity over the next six months, minus the share that expect a decrease. It serves as an important gauge of economic sentiment and forward-looking business conditions.
Methodology
The data is collected through the monthly Business Outlook Survey conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.
Historical Context
Policymakers and analysts closely monitor this indicator to assess the regional economic outlook and guide policy decisions.
Key Facts
- The index ranges from -100 to 100, with 0 indicating no change.
- Positive values signal expansion, while negative values indicate contraction.
- The survey has been conducted monthly since 1968.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This indicator measures the diffusion index of future general business activity as perceived by survey respondents in the Philadelphia Federal Reserve District.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: The future general activity diffusion index provides insights into business expectations and confidence in the regional economy, which is valuable for policymakers and analysts assessing the economic outlook.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through the monthly Business Outlook Survey conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and analysts closely monitor this indicator to assess the regional economic outlook and guide policy decisions.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The survey has been conducted monthly since 1968, providing a long-running historical dataset with minimal update delays.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Future General Activity, Perceptions of Respondents for their Firm; Diffusion Index for Federal Reserve District 3: Philadelphia (GAFBNDIF066MSFRBPHI), retrieved from FRED.