Percent Change

AUTULCCONAPNMEI • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

7.42

Year-over-Year Change

604.22%

Date Range

1/1/1977 - 1/1/2010

Summary

The Percent Change trend measures the quarterly percentage change in unit labor costs in the U.S. manufacturing sector. This metric is closely watched by economists and policymakers as an indicator of inflationary pressures and productivity.

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

Unit labor costs represent the average cost of labor per unit of output and are a key measure of competitiveness and underlying inflation in the manufacturing industry. The percent change in this metric provides insights into how productivity and wage growth are impacting business profitability.

Methodology

The data is collected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics through surveys of manufacturing establishments.

Historical Context

Changes in unit labor costs are used by the Federal Reserve and other institutions to guide monetary policy decisions.

Key Facts

  • Unit labor costs increased 2.4% in Q4 2022.
  • Productivity in U.S. manufacturing fell 1.5% in 2022.
  • Rising wages have outpaced productivity growth in recent quarters.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The Percent Change trend measures the quarterly percentage change in unit labor costs in the U.S. manufacturing sector.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: Changes in unit labor costs provide insights into underlying inflationary pressures and manufacturing sector productivity, which are closely monitored by economists and policymakers.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics through surveys of manufacturing establishments.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: The Federal Reserve and other institutions use changes in unit labor costs to guide monetary policy decisions, as this metric reflects the balance between wage growth and productivity.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is released quarterly with a typical lag of about one month.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Percent Change (AUTULCCONAPNMEI), retrieved from FRED.