World Uncertainty Index: Asia and the Pacific
WUIASIAPACIFIC • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
38,396.90
Year-over-Year Change
7.66%
Date Range
1/1/1990 - 4/1/2025
Summary
The World Uncertainty Index (WUI) for Asia and the Pacific measures economic and policy uncertainty in the region. It is a valuable indicator for economists and policymakers assessing risk and volatility in major Asia-Pacific economies.
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 WUI for Asia and the Pacific tracks uncertainty across 16 countries in the region, including China, Japan, India, and Australia. It is calculated based on text analysis of the Economist Intelligence Unit country reports, providing a real-time, high-frequency measure of uncertainty.
Methodology
The WUI is calculated by counting the frequency of the word 'uncertain' and its variants in the Economist Intelligence Unit country reports.
Historical Context
The WUI is used by economists, investors, and policymakers to gauge economic and political risks in the Asia-Pacific region.
Key Facts
- The WUI for Asia and the Pacific reached a record high in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- China and India account for the largest shares of the regional WUI index.
- The WUI is positively correlated with market volatility and capital outflows in the Asia-Pacific region.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The World Uncertainty Index (WUI) for Asia and the Pacific measures economic and policy uncertainty across 16 major economies in the region.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: The WUI is a valuable indicator for economists and policymakers assessing risk and volatility in the Asia-Pacific region, which is a critical driver of global economic growth.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The WUI is calculated by counting the frequency of the word 'uncertain' and its variants in the Economist Intelligence Unit country reports.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: The WUI is used by economists, investors, and policymakers to gauge economic and political risks in the Asia-Pacific region, which informs policy decisions and investment strategies.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The WUI data is updated quarterly, with a delay of approximately one month. The index may not capture all sources of uncertainty due to its reliance on the Economist Intelligence Unit reports.
Related Trends
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, World Uncertainty Index: Asia and the Pacific (WUIASIAPACIFIC), retrieved from FRED.