Quarterly

ULQBBV05HUQ189N • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

837,924,167,910.00

Year-over-Year Change

-8.04%

Date Range

1/1/1995 - 1/1/2011

Summary

This quarterly economic trend measures the capacity utilization rate in the U.S. manufacturing sector. It provides valuable insights into the overall health and efficiency of the country's industrial production.

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 capacity utilization rate tracks the ratio of actual industrial output to the maximum potential output that can be achieved given the capital stock and labor force. This metric is closely monitored by economists and policymakers to assess the level of slack in the economy.

Methodology

The data is collected through monthly surveys of industrial facilities by the U.S. Federal Reserve.

Historical Context

Capacity utilization is a key indicator used to inform monetary and fiscal policy decisions.

Key Facts

  • The long-term average capacity utilization rate is around 80%.
  • High capacity utilization can signal inflationary pressures in the economy.
  • Low capacity utilization may indicate underutilized resources and economic slack.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This trend measures the capacity utilization rate in the U.S. manufacturing sector, which is the ratio of actual industrial output to the maximum potential output that can be achieved.

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

A: The capacity utilization rate is a key indicator of the overall health and efficiency of the U.S. industrial production, providing insights into the level of slack in the economy.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of industrial facilities by the U.S. Federal Reserve.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Capacity utilization is a crucial metric used by economists and policymakers to inform monetary and fiscal policy decisions.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The capacity utilization data is released on a quarterly basis with a relatively short delay, providing timely insights into the state of the U.S. manufacturing sector.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Capacity Utilization: Manufacturing (ULQBBV05HUQ189N), retrieved from FRED.