Index 2010=1, Quarterly, Not Seasonally Adjusted

ULQBBU02FRQ661N • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

0.95

Year-over-Year Change

3.72%

Date Range

1/1/1978 - 1/1/2011

Summary

This index measures the unit labor costs in the U.S. manufacturing sector. It is a key indicator of inflationary pressures and competitiveness for policymakers and analysts.

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 unit labor cost index tracks the average cost of labor per unit of output in the manufacturing industry. It is calculated as the ratio of hourly compensation to labor productivity.

Methodology

The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Historical Context

The unit labor cost index is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve and other policymakers to gauge inflationary trends and labor market dynamics.

Key Facts

  • The index is based on 2010 as the reference year with a value of 1.
  • Unit labor costs rose 7.2% in Q4 2022 compared to a year earlier.
  • Manufacturing accounts for about 11% of U.S. GDP.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The index measures the average cost of labor per unit of output in the U.S. manufacturing sector.

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

A: Unit labor costs are a key indicator of inflationary pressures and competitiveness, making this metric closely watched by policymakers and economists.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: The Federal Reserve and other policymakers monitor the unit labor cost index to gauge inflationary trends and labor market dynamics.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is published quarterly with a lag of approximately 2 months.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Index 2010=1, Quarterly, Not Seasonally Adjusted (ULQBBU02FRQ661N), retrieved from FRED.