Percent of GDP, Annual, Not Seasonally Adjusted

BPBLTT01RUA188S • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

4.89

Year-over-Year Change

-38.41%

Date Range

1/1/2003 - 1/1/2011

Summary

This economic indicator tracks the annual, non-seasonally adjusted percent of U.S. GDP represented by balance of payments, providing insights into the country's international trade position and financial flows.

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 'Percent of GDP, Annual, Not Seasonally Adjusted' series measures the ratio of the U.S. balance of payments to GDP, expressed as a percentage. It offers a high-level view of the nation's trade balance and capital flows, which are critical factors in economic performance and policy decisions.

Methodology

The data is calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis using national accounts and balance of payments statistics.

Historical Context

Economists and policymakers closely monitor this trend to assess the U.S. economy's external position and its implications for growth, inflation, and international competitiveness.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. balance of payments has been in deficit since the 1970s.
  • In 2021, the balance of payments was -3.6% of GDP.
  • The balance of payments ratio reached a record high of -5.8% in 2006.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This indicator tracks the annual, non-seasonally adjusted percent of U.S. GDP represented by the balance of payments, which includes the trade balance and net capital flows.

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

A: The balance of payments ratio is a key metric for assessing the U.S. economy's external position, trade competitiveness, and financial flows, which are crucial factors for economic growth, inflation, and policy decisions.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis using national accounts and balance of payments statistics.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Economists and policymakers closely monitor this trend to evaluate the U.S. economy's external position and its implications for growth, inflation, and international competitiveness, informing policy decisions.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The balance of payments data is published quarterly with a lag, so there may be a delay in the most recent information being available.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Percent of GDP, Annual, Not Seasonally Adjusted (BPBLTT01RUA188S), retrieved from FRED.