Economic Policy Uncertainty Index: News-Based Index for the United States
USEPUNEWSINDXM • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
374.82
Year-over-Year Change
158.61%
Date Range
4/1/1942 - 7/1/2025
Summary
The Economic Policy Uncertainty Index (EPUI) is a monthly measure of policy-related economic uncertainty in the United States. It quantifies media coverage of policy uncertainty, providing a valuable indicator of economic conditions and policymaking trends.
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 EPUI tracks the frequency of newspaper articles that discuss economic policy uncertainty. A higher index value signals increased uncertainty, which can impact business and consumer confidence, investment, and other key economic outcomes.
Methodology
The index is calculated based on automated text-searches of leading U.S. newspapers.
Historical Context
The EPUI is widely used by economists, policymakers, and market analysts to interpret current economic conditions and forecast future trends.
Key Facts
- The EPUI was developed by a team of academic economists.
- The index is published monthly by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
- Elevated EPUI levels are associated with slower economic growth and investment.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Economic Policy Uncertainty Index (EPUI) measures the frequency of newspaper articles that discuss economic policy uncertainty in the United States.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: The EPUI provides a valuable indicator of policy-related economic uncertainty, which can significantly impact business and consumer confidence, investment, and other key economic outcomes.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The index is calculated based on automated text-searches of leading U.S. newspapers.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: The EPUI is widely used by economists, policymakers, and market analysts to interpret current economic conditions and forecast future trends.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The EPUI is published monthly with a relatively short delay, providing timely insights into policy-related economic uncertainty.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Economic Policy Uncertainty Index: News-Based Index for the United States (USEPUNEWSINDXM), retrieved from FRED.