Index of General Business Activity for United States
M12002USM511NNBR • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
67.70
Year-over-Year Change
-32.77%
Date Range
1/1/1899 - 12/1/1937
Summary
The Index of General Business Activity for the United States is a key indicator of the overall health and performance of the U.S. economy. It provides a comprehensive assessment of business conditions across a wide range of sectors.
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 Index of General Business Activity is a composite indicator that aggregates data on production, new orders, employment, inventories, and other factors to capture the broad state of business conditions in the U.S. It is used by economists, policymakers, and market analysts to gauge the strength and trajectory of the economy.
Methodology
The index is calculated based on survey data collected from purchasing managers at manufacturing and service-sector firms across the country.
Historical Context
The Index of General Business Activity is a critical input for monetary and fiscal policy decisions made by the Federal Reserve and other government institutions.
Key Facts
- The index ranges from 0 to 100, with values above 50 indicating expansion.
- It is released monthly by the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.
- The index is considered a leading indicator of future economic performance.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Index of General Business Activity measures the overall state of business conditions across the United States, aggregating data on production, new orders, employment, inventories, and other key economic factors.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: The Index of General Business Activity is a critical indicator of the health and direction of the U.S. economy, providing valuable insights for policymakers, businesses, and investors.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The index is calculated based on survey data collected from purchasing managers at manufacturing and service-sector firms across the country.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: The Index of General Business Activity is a key input for monetary and fiscal policy decisions made by the Federal Reserve and other government institutions.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The index is released monthly by the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, with a typical delay of several weeks from the end of the reference period.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Index of General Business Activity for United States (M12002USM511NNBR), retrieved from FRED.