Real Sectoral Output for Wholesale Trade: Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods (NAICS 424) in the United States

Percent Change from Year Ago

IPUGN424T011000000 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

2.70

Year-over-Year Change

285.71%

Date Range

1/1/1988 - 1/1/2024

Summary

The Percent Change from Year Ago measures the annual change in industrial production, a key indicator of economic activity. This trend provides insights into the broader health of the manufacturing sector and overall 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 Percent Change from Year Ago tracks the yearly percent change in the Federal Reserve's industrial production index, which measures the real output of U.S. factories, mines, and utilities. This metric is closely watched by economists and policymakers to assess the strength of the industrial economy.

Methodology

The Federal Reserve collects and calculates this data through surveys of industrial facilities.

Historical Context

Percent Change from Year Ago is used to monitor economic cycles and inform monetary and fiscal policy decisions.

Key Facts

  • The industrial production index covers about 75% of total industrial activity in the United States.
  • Percent Change from Year Ago reached a low of -16.5% in April 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • This metric has averaged around 3.5% annual growth since 1972.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The Percent Change from Year Ago measures the annual percent change in the Federal Reserve's industrial production index, which tracks the real output of U.S. factories, mines, and utilities.

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

A: This metric provides insights into the overall health of the manufacturing sector and the broader economy, making it a closely watched indicator by economists and policymakers.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The Federal Reserve collects data through surveys of industrial facilities and calculates the Percent Change from Year Ago based on the industrial production index.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Percent Change from Year Ago is used by the Federal Reserve, government agencies, and analysts to monitor economic cycles and inform monetary and fiscal policy decisions.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The Federal Reserve publishes the Percent Change from Year Ago data on a monthly basis with a typical lag of around one month.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Percent Change from Year Ago (IPUGN424T011000000), retrieved from FRED.