Net lending or net borrowing (-), NIPAs: Government: Federal
AD02RC1Q027SBEA • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
-1,916.68
Year-over-Year Change
38.36%
Date Range
7/1/1959 - 4/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend measures the net lending or net borrowing position of the U.S. federal government. It is a key indicator of the government's fiscal policy and its impact on the broader 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
The net lending or net borrowing figure represents the difference between the federal government's total receipts and total expenditures. A positive value indicates net lending, while a negative value indicates net borrowing. This metric provides insight into the government's fiscal stance and its influence on national savings, investment, and economic growth.
Methodology
The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis as part of the National Income and Product Accounts (NIPAs).
Historical Context
Policymakers and economists closely monitor this trend to assess the government's fiscal position and its implications for the overall economy.
Key Facts
- The federal government has run a budget deficit for most of the past two decades.
- Net borrowing reached a peak of over $1.4 trillion during the Great Recession in 2009.
- The trend is released quarterly as part of the NIPA data series.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the net lending or net borrowing position of the U.S. federal government, which represents the difference between the government's total receipts and total expenditures.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This metric provides important insights into the government's fiscal stance and its impact on the broader economy, making it a closely watched indicator for policymakers and economists.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis as part of the National Income and Product Accounts (NIPAs).
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and economists use this trend to assess the government's fiscal position and its implications for national savings, investment, and economic growth, which inform policy decisions.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The trend is released quarterly as part of the NIPA data series, with a typical delay of a few months from the end of the reference period.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Net lending or net borrowing (-), NIPAs: Government: Federal (AD02RC1Q027SBEA), retrieved from FRED.