Liabilities and Capital: Other Factors Draining Reserve Balances: Currency in Circulation: Wednesday Level
WCICL • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
2,401,980.00
Year-over-Year Change
0.72%
Date Range
6/7/2006 - 7/30/2025
Summary
The WCICL series tracks the total amount of U.S. currency in circulation on a weekly basis, providing insights into monetary liquidity and cash flow dynamics. This metric is crucial for understanding money supply, central bank operations, and broader economic 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
Currency in circulation represents the total physical currency held by the public and financial institutions outside of the Federal Reserve. Economists analyze this trend to assess monetary policy effectiveness, potential inflationary pressures, and overall economic activity.
Methodology
The Federal Reserve calculates this data by measuring the total volume of physical U.S. currency outside of the central bank's holdings on a specific Wednesday each reporting period.
Historical Context
Policymakers and financial analysts use this data to monitor money supply, assess economic liquidity, and inform monetary policy decisions.
Key Facts
- Represents total physical currency outside Federal Reserve control
- Updated weekly to provide current monetary insights
- Critical indicator of economic cash movement and liquidity
FAQs
Q: What does the WCICL series measure?
A: The WCICL tracks the total amount of U.S. currency in circulation on a specific Wednesday each reporting period, excluding currency held by the Federal Reserve.
Q: Why is currency in circulation important?
A: It provides insights into money supply, economic activity, and potential inflationary pressures by showing how much physical currency is actively circulating in the economy.
Q: How often is this data updated?
A: The WCICL series is typically updated on a weekly basis, providing current snapshots of currency circulation.
Q: How do policymakers use this data?
A: Central bankers and economists use this metric to assess monetary policy effectiveness, economic liquidity, and potential adjustments to money supply strategies.
Q: What are the limitations of this data?
A: While informative, the WCICL only captures physical currency and does not account for digital transactions or broader monetary instruments.
Related Trends
Assets: Unamortized Discounts on Securities Held Outright: Wednesday Level
WUDSHO
Repurchase Agreements: Federal Agency Securities Purchased by the Federal Reserve in the Temporary Open Market Operations
RPAGYD
Resources and Assets: Gold and Gold Certificates: Total Gold; Gold Certificate Reserve
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Liabilities: Other Liabilities: Due to Other Federal Reserve Banks, Collection Items, Deferred Availability Items
LOLDOFRB
Memorandum Items: Industrial Loan Commitments; Commitments to Make Industrial Advances
MINLOCMILA
Liabilities and Capital: Liabilities: Deferred Availability Cash Items: Wednesday Level
RESPPLLCNWW
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Liabilities and Capital: Other Factors Draining Reserve Balances: Currency in Circulation: Wednesday Level [WCICL], retrieved from FRED.
Last Checked: 8/1/2025