Quarterly

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

Latest Value

0.29

Year-over-Year Change

-52.64%

Date Range

4/1/1977 - 1/1/2011

Summary

The Quarterly Productivity and Unit Labor Costs (PRTULCBXAQPNMEI) series measures changes in U.S. labor productivity and related costs over time. This metric is a key indicator of economic efficiency and a critical factor in assessing inflationary pressures.

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

Quarterly Productivity and Unit Labor Costs tracks the relationship between output and the labor effort required to produce that output. It is used by economists, policymakers, and market analysts to evaluate productivity trends and their potential impact on inflation, wages, and overall economic performance.

Methodology

This series is calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics based on data from the Current Employment Statistics and Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages programs.

Historical Context

Productivity and labor costs are closely monitored by the Federal Reserve and other institutions to inform macroeconomic policy decisions.

Key Facts

  • Productivity growth is a key driver of long-term economic prosperity.
  • Rising unit labor costs can contribute to inflationary pressures.
  • Productivity trends are closely watched by the Federal Reserve.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The Quarterly Productivity and Unit Labor Costs series tracks changes in U.S. labor productivity and the associated labor costs per unit of output.

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

A: Productivity and labor cost data are crucial inputs for assessing economic efficiency, inflationary pressures, and the overall health of the U.S. economy.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics calculates this series using data from the Current Employment Statistics and Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages programs.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Productivity and labor cost trends are closely monitored by the Federal Reserve and other policymakers to inform decisions on macroeconomic policy, including interest rates and inflation targeting.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: This series is published quarterly, with a typical release lag of approximately one month after the end of the reference period.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Quarterly Productivity and Unit Labor Costs (PRTULCBXAQPNMEI), retrieved from FRED.