Unit Labor Costs: Early Estimate of Quarterly Unit Labor Costs (ULC) Indicators: Unit Labor Costs: Total for Ireland

Growth rate same period previous year, Seasonally Adjusted

ULQEUL01IEQ659S • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

-9.51

Year-over-Year Change

-267.21%

Date Range

1/1/1996 - 1/1/2025

Summary

This economic indicator measures the year-over-year growth rate of unit labor costs, a key metric for evaluating inflation pressures and productivity trends in the U.S. 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

Unit labor costs represent the cost of labor required to produce one unit of output. This measure is closely watched by policymakers and analysts as an important gauge of inflationary risks and underlying productivity in the economy.

Methodology

The data is calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics based on measures of hourly compensation and labor productivity.

Historical Context

Trends in unit labor costs help inform monetary policy decisions and macroeconomic projections.

Key Facts

  • Unit labor costs rose 4.2% in Q4 2022 compared to the prior year.
  • Productivity growth averaged just 1.7% annually from 2007-2022.
  • Stable unit labor costs are a key indicator of the Fed's 2% inflation target.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This indicator measures the year-over-year growth rate in unit labor costs, which capture the cost of labor required to produce one unit of output.

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

A: Unit labor costs are a critical metric for assessing inflationary pressures and productivity trends in the economy, which are key inputs for monetary policy decisions.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics based on measures of hourly compensation and labor productivity.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Trends in unit labor costs help inform monetary policy decisions and macroeconomic projections made by the Federal Reserve and other policymakers.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is published quarterly with a typical lag of 2-3 months.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Growth rate same period previous year, Seasonally Adjusted (ULQEUL01IEQ659S), retrieved from FRED.