Hours Worked for Wholesale Trade: Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods (NAICS 423) in the United States

Millions of Hours

IPUGN423L200000000 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

6,811.87

Year-over-Year Change

12.19%

Date Range

1/1/1987 - 1/1/2024

Summary

The 'Millions of Hours' trend measures the total number of hours worked by employees in the U.S. manufacturing sector. This key economic indicator provides insight into labor productivity and workplace activity.

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 'Millions of Hours' series tracks the total number of employee hours worked across U.S. manufacturing industries. It is a widely-used metric for analyzing employment, production capacity, and economic performance within the manufacturing sector.

Methodology

The data is collected through monthly surveys of manufacturing establishments by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Historical Context

Policymakers and analysts closely monitor the 'Millions of Hours' trend to assess the health and output of the U.S. manufacturing industry.

Key Facts

  • The manufacturing sector accounts for approximately 11% of total U.S. economic output.
  • Manufacturing productivity has increased by over 60% since the early 2000s.
  • Total manufacturing hours worked peaked in the late 1970s at over 20 million per month.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The 'Millions of Hours' trend measures the total number of employee hours worked in the U.S. manufacturing sector, providing insight into labor productivity and economic output.

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

A: The 'Millions of Hours' trend is a key indicator of manufacturing activity and a critical input for analyzing labor productivity, capacity utilization, and overall economic performance.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of manufacturing establishments conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Policymakers and economists closely monitor the 'Millions of Hours' trend to assess the health of the manufacturing sector and inform decisions around fiscal, monetary, and trade policies.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The 'Millions of Hours' data is published monthly with a typical lag of 1-2 months. The series may be subject to revisions as additional information becomes available.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Millions of Hours (IPUGN423L200000000), retrieved from FRED.