Economic Events and Terms Glossary

Overview

This is a list of major U.S. economic events, including their definitions, uses, release cadences, and governing institutions. First, we've included lists of commonly used acronyms and abbreviations.

How to use this page: Use the jump links above to skip to specific sections. You can also use CTRL-F (on PC) or Command-F (on Mac) to search for a specific term.

Acronyms

ADP: Automatic Data Processing, Inc.
API: American Petroleum Institute
CPI: Consumer Price Index
ECB: European Central Bank
EIA: Energy Information Administration
EV: Electric Vehicle
FOMC: Federal Open Market Committee
GDP: Gross Domestic Product
IMF: International Monetary Fund
ISM: Institute for Supply Management
JOLTs: Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey
MoM: Month over Month
NAHB: National Association of Home Builders
NAR: National Association of Realtors
PCE: Personal Consumption Expenditures
PMI: Purchasing Managers Index
PPI: Producer Price Index
QoQ: Quarter over Quarter
TIC: Treasury International Capital
YoY: Year over Year

Abbreviations

B: Billion(s)
Ex: Excluding
Fed: The Federal Reserve
Fed Chair: Chair of the Federal Reserve of the U.S.
K: Thousand(s)
M: Million(s)
Prel/prelim: Preliminary
T: Trillion(s)

Government Agencies

This is a list of U.S. government agencies commonly mentioned in the context of business or economics. It is not an exhaustive list of all U.S. federal agencies.

BEA: Bureau of Economic Analysis
BLS: Bureau of Labor Statistics
CBO: Congressional Budget Office
CDC: Centers for Disease Control
CFPB: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
CPSC: Consumer Product Safety Commission
DOJ: Department of Justice
DOT: Department of Transportation
EIA: Energy Information Administration
EPA: Environmental Protection Agency
FAA: Federal Aviation Administration
FDA: Food and Drug Administration
FEMA: Federal Emergency Management Agency
FTC: Federal Trade Commission
GAO: Government Accountability Office
HUD: Department of Housing and Urban Development
NHTSA: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
NLRB: National Labor Relations Board
NTSB: National Transportation Safety Board
SEC: Securities and Exchange Commission

Economic Events

A–E

10-Year Auction Note

Definition: The 10-year auction note is a debt security with a maturity of 10 years, sold through regular auctions to investors.
How it's used: It is a key indicator of government borrowing costs and is often used as a benchmark for other interest rates.
Cadence: Monthly, typically in the middle of the month
Agency: Department of the Treasury

30-Year Bond Auction

Definition: A 30-year bond auction is a sale where 30-year government bonds are offered to investors to raise funds for federal operations. Investors bid on the bonds, determining the interest rate.
How it's used: It reflects investor sentiment about long-term economic conditions, inflation expectations, and interest rates.
Cadence: Quarterly
Agency: Department of the Treasury, with the Federal Reserve

ADP Employment Change

Definition: The ADP Employment Change is a report that measures the change in private sector employment in the U.S.
How it's used: It provides an estimate of job growth or loss based on payroll data and serves as an early indicator of labor market trends.
Released: Monthly, typically two days before the official government employment report
Institution: The ADP Research Institute

API Crude Oil Stock Change

Definition: The API Crude Oil Stock Change is a report that measures the change in crude oil inventories held by U.S. companies.
How it's used: It provides insight into supply and demand trends in the oil market, which can impact oil prices and energy market forecasts.
Released: Weekly
Institution: The American Petroleum Institute

Average Hourly Earnings

Definition: Average hourly earnings represent the average amount of money employees make per hour, excluding benefits.
How it's used: It serves as a key indicator of wage growth and inflationary pressure.
Released: Monthly, typically on the first Friday of each month, as part of the Employment Situation Report
Agency: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Balance of Trade

Definition: The balance of trade is the difference between the value of a country’s exports and its imports over a specific period. A positive balance — a trade surplus — occurs when exports exceed imports, while a negative balance — a trade deficit — happens when imports are higher than exports.
How it's used: It helps assess a country's economic health and trade relationships. Policymakers, economists, and investors use this report to understand trade trends, determine the impact on GDP, and make decisions regarding economic policies and investments.
Released: Monthly
Agency: The Census Bureau, in collaboration with the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)

Building Permits

Definition: Building permits are an economic indicator measuring the number of new residential construction projects authorized by permits.
How it's used: It provides insight into future construction activity and housing market trends, as permits are typically required before construction begins.
Released: Monthly, typically in the third week of the month
Agency: The Census Bureau, in collaboration with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Building Permits, Preliminary

Definition: Preliminary building permits are the initial estimates of the number of new construction projects approved before any revisions or updates are made.
How it's used: These figures provide an early indication of future construction activity but may be adjusted as more complete data becomes available.
Released: Monthly, typically in the third week of the month
Agency: The Census Bureau

Business Inventories

Definition: Business inventories refer to the total value of goods held by manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers that are ready for sale. An increase in inventories may signal slowing demand, while a decrease suggests strong demand.
How it's used: This report is used to assess the supply chain's health and gauge economic activity. Investors, economists, and policymakers use the report to predict GDP growth, consumer spending trends, and potential inflationary pressures.
Released: Monthly, typically around the middle of the following month, as part of the Manufacturing and Trade Inventories and Sales report
Agency: The Census Bureau

CB Consumer Confidence

Definition: This measure denotes consumers' economic confidence based on their perceptions of current economic conditions, expectations for the future, and willingness to make major purchases.
How it's used: A higher index value indicates greater consumer confidence, which typically correlates with increased consumer spending, while a lower value suggests economic uncertainty and potentially reduced spending. The index is widely used to gauge economic health.
Released: Monthly, on the last Tuesday of each month
Institution: The Conference Board (CB)

Chicago Fed National Activity Index

Definition: The Chicago Fed National Activity Index is an economic indicator that aggregates nationwide data on employment, sales, consumption, and production.
How it's used: This index is designed to gauge overall economic activity and inflationary pressure.
Released: Monthly
Agency: The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

Chicago Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)

Definition: The Chicago PMI is a monthly economic indicator that measures the business activity of manufacturing and non-manufacturing firms in the Chicago region. It is based on surveys of purchasing managers.
How it's used: The report is used to assess trends in production, new orders, employment, and overall economic health in the area.
Released: Monthly, on the last business day of the month
Institution: The Institute for Supply Management — Chicago

Corporate Profits

Definition: Corporate profits reports list the total earnings of U.S. companies, sorted by industry.
How they're used: The reports provide insights into business profitability and overall economic conditions in the U.S.
Released: Quarterly and annually
Agency: The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)

Consumer Price Index (CPI)

Definition: The CPI tracks the average change in consumer prices for goods and services over time.
How it's used: It is used to assess inflation by indicating how the cost of living is changing.
Released: Monthly
Agency: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

CPI, Seasonally Adjusted

Definition: The seasonally adjusted Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a version of the CPI that accounts for typical seasonal variations, such as changes in prices due to holidays or weather.
How it's used: This adjustment provides a clearer view of underlying inflation trends by removing predictable, recurring price changes that happen at the same time each year.
Released: Monthly
Agency: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Current Account

Definition: The current account is an economic measure that tracks a country’s trade in goods and services, income from foreign investments, and transfers like foreign aid.
How it's used: It indicates whether the country’s economy is a net borrower or lender globally.
Released: Quarterly
Agency: The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)

Dallas Fed Manufacturing Index

Definition: The Dallas Fed Manufacturing Index is a monthly survey that measures business activity and economic conditions in the manufacturing sector within Texas.
How it's used: It reflects changes in production, new orders, employment, and other key metrics, providing insight into the health of the region’s manufacturing industry.
Released: Monthly, on the last Monday of each month
Agency: The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas

Durable Goods Orders

Definition: Durable goods orders measure the total value of new orders placed with manufacturers for products designed to last at least three years, such as cars, appliances, and machinery.
How it's used: This economic indicator helps gauge future production activity and business investment.
Released: Monthly
Agency: The Census Bureau

EIA Crude Oil Stocks Change

Definition: The EIA Crude Oil Stocks Change is a report that measures the change in crude oil supply held by commercial companies.
How it's used: It indicates supply levels and helps assess market trends, often impacting oil prices.
Released: Weekly
Agency: The Energy Information Administration (EIA)

EIA Gasoline Stocks Change

Definition: The EIA Gasoline Stocks Change is a report that tracks the change in gasoline inventories held by commercial entities.
How it's used: It provides insight into gasoline supply levels, which can influence fuel prices and market dynamics.
Released: Weekly
Agency: The Energy Information Administration (EIA)

Employment Cost – Benefits & Wages

Definition: This indicator measures the total compensation employers provide to workers, including wages, salaries, and benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, and other perks.
How it's used: This measure reflects trends in labor costs and is used to assess inflationary pressures and economic health.
Released: Quarterly
Agency: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Employment Cost Index

Definition: This indicator measures the changes in the costs of labor, including wages, salaries, and employer-paid benefits, over time.
How it's used: It provides insights into inflationary trends in the labor market and is widely used to assess changes in compensation costs.
Released: Quarterly
Agency: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Employment Situation Report

Definition: The Employment Situation Report provides key statistics on the labor market, including non-farm payroll employment, the unemployment rate, the labor force participation rate, and average hourly earnings.
How it's used: The report is widely used by policymakers, economists, and investors to assess the health of the job market and economy.
Released: Monthly, on the first Friday of each month
Agency: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Eurozone

Definition: The Eurozone is a group of European Union countries that have adopted the euro as their official currency. It consists of nations that share a single monetary policy managed by the European Central Bank and aim for economic integration using the same currency.

Existing Home Sales

Definition: Existing home sales is a measurement that reports on the number of previously owned homes sold within a specific period.
How it's used: This economic indicator provides insight into housing market trends and overall consumer demand.
Released: Monthly
Institution: The National Association of Realtors (NAR)

Exports

Definition: U.S. exports measure the total value of goods and services sold by the U.S. to other countries.
How it's used: This data is used to track trade performance, assess demand for American products abroad, and evaluate the contribution of exports to the U.S. economy.
Released: Monthly
Agencies: The Census Bureau, in collaboration with the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)

Export Price Index

Definition: The Export Price Index (EPI) measures the average change in prices of goods and services sold by residents of the U.S. to foreign buyers. It tracks price movements over time and helps assess the competitiveness of a country's exports in the global market.
How it's used: The Export Price Index provides insight into inflation, trade balances, and competitiveness. It is used by policymakers, businesses, and economists to analyze trade trends and inform decisions on pricing and trade policy.
Released: Monthly, typically around the middle of the month, for the prior month's data
Agency: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

F–J

Factory Orders

Definition: This report measures the total value of new purchase orders placed with manufacturers for both durable and non-durable goods.
How it's used: It provides insight into the demand for manufactured products, production trends, and overall business activity in the manufacturing sector.
Released: Monthly
Agency: The Census Bureau

Fed Chair Speech

Definition: The Federal Reserve Chair's speech is a key public address by the head of the U.S. central bank that outlines the Fed's views on the economy, monetary policy, and future actions.
How they're used: These speeches can signal changes in interest rates or other policies, influencing financial markets and economic expectations.
Agency: The Federal Reserve
Current Fed Chair: Jerome Powell

Fed Interest Rate Decision

Definition: Fed interest rate decisions are announcements made by the Federal Reserve regarding changes to the federal funds rate, which is the benchmark interest rate for lending between banks.
How they're used: These decisions, made during Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meetings, influence borrowing costs, economic growth, and inflation.
Released: Eight times per year — approximately every six weeks — following the scheduled FOMC meetings
Agency: The Federal Reserve

Fed Press Conference

Definition: A Fed press conference is a scheduled event where the Federal Reserve Chair addresses the public and media following certain Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meetings.
Purpose: During these conferences, the Chair explains the Fed’s monetary policy decisions, provides economic outlook insights, and answers questions from reporters to clarify the central bank’s stance and future guidance.
Agency: The Federal Reserve

FOMC Economic Projections

Definition: FOMC economic projections are quarterly forecasts made by Federal Open Market Committee members regarding key economic indicators such as GDP growth, unemployment, inflation, and interest rates.
How they're used: These projections provide insights into the Fed’s expectations for the economy and help guide monetary policy decisions.
Released: Quarterly
Agency: Federal Open Market Committee

FOMC Minutes

Definition: FOMC minutes are detailed records of the discussions and decisions made during the Federal Open Market Committee meetings.
How they're used: The minutes provide insights into the economic outlook, policy debates, and reasoning behind interest rate decisions, offering transparency into the Fed's decision-making process.
Released: Three weeks after each FOMC meeting
Agency: Federal Open Market Committee

GDP Growth Rate

Definition: The GDP growth rate measures the percentage change in the value of all goods and services produced within a country over a specific period, indicating the pace of economic expansion or contraction.
How it's used: Policymakers, investors, and businesses use the GDP growth rate to assess economic health, make decisions on investments, and implement strategies for fiscal or monetary policies. It also helps in comparing economic performance between countries or over time.
Released: Quarterly
Agency: The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)

GDP Price Index

Definition: The GDP Price Index measures the change in prices for all goods and services included in the Gross Domestic Product, reflecting overall inflation or deflation in the economy.
How it's used: The index helps analysts and policymakers understand the true growth of the economy, excluding the effects of price changes. It's a broad measure of inflation across the entire economy, unlike other price indices that focus on specific sectors.
Released: Quarterly
Agency: The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)

Goods Trade Balance

Definition: The goods trade balance measures the difference between the value of a country's exports and imports of physical goods. A positive trade balance, or surplus, occurs when exports exceed imports, indicating that a country is selling more goods abroad than it is buying. A negative trade balance, or deficit, occurs when imports exceed exports.
How it's used: Policymakers, economists, and investors use the goods trade balance to assess a nation's trade performance, economic competitiveness, and the potential impacts on currency value and economic growth. It is also a key component of a country's overall trade balance and current account.
Released: Monthly
Agency: The Census Bureau, in collaboration with the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)

Housing Starts

Definition: Housing starts measure the number of new residential construction projects that have begun during a specific period, usually monthly or annually. A rise in housing starts suggests increased demand for homes, which can reflect consumer confidence and economic growth, while a decline may signal an economic slowdown or reduced demand.
How it's used: This economic indicator helps gauge the health of the housing market and the broader economy. Housing starts are closely watched by policymakers, investors, and builders because they influence related industries, such as construction, materials, and real estate.
Released: Monthly, around the middle of the month
Agency: The Census Bureau, in collaboration with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Imports

Definition: U.S. imports measure the total value of goods and services purchased by the U.S. from other countries.
How it's used: This data is used to track the flow of foreign products into the U.S., assess demand for imports, and analyze the impact on the trade balance and economy.
Released: Monthly
Agency: The Census Bureau, in collaboration with the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)

Import Price Index

Definition: The Import Price Index (IPI) measures the average change in prices of goods and services purchased from abroad. It tracks the cost fluctuations of imported products and services over time, providing insight into inflationary pressures and international trade dynamics.
How it's used: The index is often used to assess the impact of foreign price changes on the domestic economy.
Released: Monthly, typically around the middle of month, for the previous month's data
Agency: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Industrial Production

Definition: Industrial production measures the total output of the industrial sector, including manufacturing, mining, and utilities.
How it's used: It serves as an important indicator of the economic performance and capacity utilization of the industrial sector.
Released: Monthly, typically in the middle of the following month
Agency: The Federal Reserve

Inflation Rate

Definition: The inflation rate measures the percentage change in the average price level of goods and services over time, indicating how much prices are rising in an economy.
How it's used: Policymakers, such as central banks, use the inflation rate to determine the need for adjustments, like raising or lowering interest rates. Investors and businesses also monitor the inflation rate to make decisions regarding pricing, investment strategies, and wage adjustments.
Released: Monthly, on the second Tuesday, through the Consumer Price Index (CPI) report
Agency: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Inflation Rate, Core

Definition: The core inflation rate is a measure of the change in consumer prices, excluding food and energy.
How it's used: Food and energy tend to be more volatile; thus, excluding them can provide a clearer picture of underlying inflation trends.
Released: Monthly, through the Consumer Price Index (CPI) report
Agency: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Initial Jobless Claims

Definition: Initial jobless claims measure the number of people filing for unemployment benefits for the first time. A rise in initial jobless claims suggests an increase in layoffs and potential economic weakness, while a decline indicates a strengthening job market and economic growth.
How it's used: Policymakers, economists, and investors use this metric to assess trends in employment and to help guide decisions.
Released: Weekly, on Thursdays
Agency: The Department of Labor

ISM Manufacturing PMI

Definition: The ISM Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) is a monthly indicator that measures the health of the U.S. manufacturing sector based on surveys of purchasing managers. A PMI above 50 indicates expansion, while a PMI below 50 signals contraction.
How it's used: Policymakers, investors, and businesses use the ISM Manufacturing PMI to gauge industrial activity, predict economic growth trends, and make informed decisions on investments, production, and strategy.
Released: Monthly, on the first business day
Institution: The Institute for Supply Management (ISM)

ISM Manufacturing Employment Index

Definition: The ISM Manufacturing Employment Index measures employment trends within the sector based on a survey of purchasing managers. It reflects whether employment is expanding or contracting, with a reading above 50 indicating job growth and a reading below 50 signaling a decline.
How it's used: Policymakers, businesses, and investors use this index to assess labor market conditions within the manufacturing sector, forecast economic trends, and inform decisions related to hiring, investment, and production planning.
Released: Monthly, on the first business day, as part of the broader ISM Manufacturing PMI
Institution: The Institute for Supply Management (ISM)

ISM Services PMI

Definition: The ISM Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) measures the overall health and activity of the services sector, which includes industries such as finance, healthcare, retail, and transportation, based on surveys of purchasing managers. A reading above 50 indicates growth, while a reading below 50 suggests contraction.
How it's used: Policymakers, investors, and business leaders use the ISM Services PMI to gauge economic conditions, inform policy decisions, and shape business strategies, particularly in non-manufacturing industries.
Released: Monthly, on the third business day
Institution: The Institute for Supply Management (ISM)

JOLTs Job Openings

Definition: The JOLTS (Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey) report measures the number of unfilled job positions in the U.S. economy, indicating labor demand and job market strength.
How it's used: The report is used to assess labor market tightness, hiring trends, and worker confidence, influencing economic and investment decisions.
Released: Monthly, typically on the first Tuesday of each month for data from two months prior
Agency: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

K–P

MBA 30-Year Mortgage Rate

Definition: This measure tracks the average interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, typically based on loan amounts for conforming mortgages.
How it's used: This metric serves as an important indicator of housing market trends, influencing mortgage affordability and the overall housing market.
Released: Weekly
Institution: The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)

Michigan Consumer Sentiment, Final

Definition: The Michigan Consumer Sentiment Final is a survey-based index that measures U.S. consumer confidence regarding economic conditions and personal finances.
How it's used: It helps investors, businesses, and policymakers predict consumer spending trends, which can influence decisions on interest rates, economic policies, and market strategies.
Released: Monthly, on the last Friday of each month
Institution: The University of Michigan

Michigan Consumer Sentiment, Preliminary

Definition: The Michigan Consumer Sentiment Preliminary is an early estimate of U.S. consumer confidence, based on mid-month survey data, that assesses consumer views on economic conditions.
How it's used: This report is used by investors and policymakers to assess potential consumer spending behavior and economic trends, offering an initial snapshot that can influence market movements and decision-making before the final report is released.
Released: Monthly, on the second Friday of each month
Institution: The University of Michigan

Monthly Budget Statement

Definition: This indicator provides a summary of the federal government's revenues and expenditures for a specific month, revealing whether a budget deficit or budget surplus took place.
How it's used: This statement provides a snapshot of the overall fiscal health of the government, providing important information for policymakers, economists, and investors about the state of public finances.
Released: Monthly
Institution: The Department of the Treasury

NAHB Housing Market Index

Definition: The NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) Housing Market Index is a survey that measures homebuilders' sentiment regarding the single-family housing market. The index is based on builder perceptions of current sales, prospective buyer traffic, and sales expectations for the next six months.
How it's used: The index serves as a leading indicator of housing market conditions and overall economic health. Economists, investors, and policymakers analyze the index to assess builder confidence, predict future home construction activity, and gauge potential trends in the housing market.
Released: Monthly
Institution: The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)

Net Long-Term TIC Flows

Definition: Net Long-Term Treasury International Capital (TIC) Flows measure the monthly net purchases of long-term U.S. securities by foreign and domestic investors.
How it's used: This data helps investors and policymakers assess foreign demand for U.S. assets, understand trends in capital flows, and evaluate the sustainability of the U.S. current account and funding of the national debt. It can also influence currency markets and interest rate expectations.
Released: Monthly, around mid-month, covering data from two months prior
Agency: The Department of the Treasury

New Home Sales

Definition: New home sales measure the number of newly constructed single-family homes sold within a given period, indicating demand in the housing market.
How it's used: The report is used to gauge the health of the housing market and the overall economy. Investors, policymakers, and economists use it to assess economic growth, influence market expectations, and guide decisions on interest rates and investment strategies.
Released: Monthly, typically around the fourth week of the month for the previous month's data
Agency: The Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

New York Empire State Manufacturing Index

Definition: This economic indicator measures the health of the manufacturing sector in New York State. It is based on a survey of manufacturers and tracks changes in business conditions, including new orders, shipments, employment, and inventory levels.
How it's used: A positive reading indicates expansion, while a negative reading suggests contraction.
Released: Monthly
Agency: The Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Non-Farm Payrolls

Definition: Non-farm payrolls measure the monthly change in the number of employees in the U.S. economy, excluding farm/agricultural workers, government employees, private household staff, and non-profit workers.
How it's used: It measures job growth in the U.S. economy, excluding the agricultural sector, and is used to assess labor market strength.
Released: Monthly, on the first Friday of each month, for the previous month's data
Agency: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Non-Farm Productivity

Definition: Non-farm productivity measures the efficiency of labor in producing goods and services, excluding agriculture. It is calculated by dividing the total output of goods and services by the total hours worked by employees.
How it's used: Increases indicate more output per hour worked, which can signal economic growth, while decreases note less output per hour, suggesting an economic slowdown.
Released: Quarterly
Agency: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Participation Rate

Definition: The participation rate measures the percentage of the working-age population that is either employed or actively seeking employment.
How it's used: It is used to assess labor market engagement, providing insight into the health of the economy and potential workforce capacity.
Released: Monthly, typically on the first Friday, as part of the Employment Situation Report
Agency: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

PCE Price Index

Definition: The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index measures changes in the cost of goods and services used by households, reflecting overall inflation in the economy.
How it's used: It is a key indicator for the Federal Reserve to assess inflation trends and guide monetary policy decisions, particularly interest rates.
Released: Monthly, typically at the end of the month, for the prior month’s data
Agency: The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)

PCE Price Index, Core

Definition: The core PCE (Personal Consumption Expenditures) Price Index measures monthly changes in the prices of goods and services used by households, excluding food and energy.
How it's used: It is the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge because it reflects consumer spending patterns and provides a clearer view of underlying inflation trends.
Released: Monthly, typically at the end of the month, for the prior month’s data
Agency: The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)

Pending Home Sales

Definition: Pending home sales measure the number of signed contracts for existing home purchases, indicating future housing market activity.
How it's used: It serves as a leading indicator for the housing market, helping investors, policymakers, and economists predict housing demand and overall economic momentum.
Released: Monthly, typically around the last week of the month, for the prior month’s data
Institution: The National Association of Realtors (NAR)

Personal Income

Definition: Personal income measures the total income received by individuals from wages, investments, and other sources, reflecting overall consumer earning power.
How it's used: It helps economists, policymakers, and investors predict consumer spending trends, which are a key driver of economic growth, and influences decisions on monetary policy and market strategies.
Released: Monthly, typically at the end of the month, for the previous month’s data
Agency: The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)

Personal Spending

Definition: Personal spending measures the total amount of money individuals spend on goods and services, indicating consumer demand and economic health.
How it's used: It is a key indicator for assessing the strength of the economy, as consumer spending drives a significant portion of economic growth, and helps guide monetary policy and investment decisions.
Released: Monthly, typically alongside the personal income report, at the end of the month for the prior month’s data
Agency: The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)

Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index

Definition: The Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index is a monthly survey that measures manufacturing activity and business conditions in the Third Federal Reserve District, which includes eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and Delaware.
How it's used: It serves as an indicator of overall economic health and manufacturing trends, influencing market expectations and helping guide monetary policy and investment decisions.
Released: Monthly, on the third Thursday of each month
Agency: The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia

Producer Price Index (PPI)

Definition: The Producer Price Index (PPI) measures the average change over time in the selling prices received by domestic producers for their output.
How it's used: It serves as a key indicator of inflationary trends at the wholesale level before they reach consumers.
Released: Monthly
Agency: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Q–Z

RCM/TIPP Economic Optimism Index

Definition: The RCM/TIPP Economic Optimism Index is a monthly survey that measures U.S. consumer confidence and economic outlook based on personal financial sentiment and broader economic expectations. RCM stands for RealClearMarkets, while TIPP stands for TechnoMetrica Institute of Policy and Politics.
How it's used: It helps investors, businesses, and policymakers assess potential shifts in consumer behavior and economic trends.
Released: Monthly, on the first Tuesday
Institutions: Investor’s Business Daily (IBD) and TechnoMetrica Market Intelligence

Retail Inventories

Definition: Retail inventories measure the total value of goods held in stock by U.S. retailers, indicating inventory levels and supply chain trends.
How it's used: This data helps businesses, economists, and policymakers gauge supply chain efficiency, sales trends, and potential imbalances that could impact production, pricing, and economic growth.
Released: Monthly, typically near the end of the month, for the previous month’s data
Agency: The Census Bureau

Retail Sales

Definition: This indicator measures the total sales of retail and food services establishments across the country.
How it's used: This report offers insights into consumer spending patterns and is a key indicator of economic health. It includes detailed statistics on various retail sectors, such as clothing stores, e-commerce, and motor vehicle and parts dealers.
Released: Monthly
Agency: The Census Bureau

Retail Sales Control Group

Definition: This indicator measures core retail sales, which strips out volatile categories from total retails sales. Excluded categories include automobiles, gasoline, building materials, and food services.
How it's used: Retail sales control group provides a clearer picture of underlying consumer spending trends and is closely watched for insights into economic health and consumer demand.
Released: Monthly
Agency: The Census Bureau

S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index

Definition: This indicator tracks changes in the value of residential real estate by measuring price fluctuations of single-family homes in 20 metropolitan areas across the U.S. It uses a repeat-sales methodology, which compares the sale prices of the same properties over time.
How it's used: This index is used to gauge the health of the housing market and can be an indicator of broader economic trends. Rising home prices generally suggest economic growth, while declining prices may signal downturns.
Released: Monthly
Institution: S&P Dow Jones Indices

S&P Global Composite PMI Final

Definition: The S&P Global Composite PMI Final is a monthly indicator that measures overall business activity in both the manufacturing and services sectors of the U.S. economy.
How it's used: It provides a comprehensive view of economic health by tracking output, new orders, employment, and pricing trends.
Released: Monthly, on the first business day of each month, for the previous month’s final data
Institution: S&P Global (formerly IHS Markit)
Note: When this term indicates "Flash" instead of "Final," the metric is preliminary.

S&P Global Manufacturing PMI Final

Definition: The S&P Global Manufacturing PMI Final is a monthly survey-based index that measures business conditions in the U.S. manufacturing sector, including production, new orders, and employment.
How it's used: It is used by investors and policymakers to assess industry performance and its impact on the broader economy.
Released: Monthly, on the first business day of each month, for the previous month’s final data
Institution: S&P Global (formerly IHS Markit)
Note: When this term indicates "Flash" instead of "Final," the metric is preliminary.

S&P Global Services PMI Final

Definition: The S&P Global Services PMI Final is a monthly index that measures business activity, new orders, and employment trends in the U.S. services sector.
How it's used: It is used by investors and policymakers to assess the performance of the services industry and its influence on overall economic growth.
Released: Monthly, on the third business day of each month, for the previous month’s final data
Institution: S&P Global (formerly IHS Markit)
Note: When this term indicates "Flash" instead of "Final," the metric is preliminary.

Unemployment Rate

Definition: The unemployment rate measures the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking work.
How it's used: It is used by investors, businesses, and policymakers to assess labor market conditions and economic health, as well as to guide decisions on monetary policy and fiscal strategies.
Released: Monthly, on the first Friday of each month, for the previous month’s data
Agency: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Unit Labor Costs

Definition: This measure indicates the average cost of labor per unit of output produced. It is calculated by dividing total labor costs by the output of goods and services.
How it's used: It helps gauge inflation risks and the competitiveness of labor costs. Increases suggest that wages and benefits are rising faster than productivity, which may promote inflation, while decreases suggests that productivity is outpacing the growth of labor costs, which may enhance business profitability.
Released: Quarterly
Agency: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Wholesale Inventories

Definition: Wholesale inventories measure the total value of goods held in stock by U.S. wholesalers, indicating supply levels and potential trends in the supply chain.
How it's used: This data helps businesses, economists, and policymakers gauge economic activity, manage production, and predict future sales and inventory needs.
Released: Monthly, typically in the second week of the month, for the previous month’s data
Agency: The Census Bureau

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