Business Tendency Surveys (Manufacturing): Confidence Indicators: Composite Indicators: National Indicator for United States

BSCICP02USM460S • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

-2.00

Year-over-Year Change

-41.18%

Date Range

1/1/1950 - 6/1/2025

Summary

The Business Tendency Surveys (Manufacturing): Confidence Indicators: Composite Indicators: National Indicator for United States measures the overall confidence of manufacturers in the U.S. economy, providing valuable insights for economists and policymakers.

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

This monthly survey-based indicator tracks the general business sentiment and expectations of manufacturing firms across the United States. It is a key metric for understanding the health and outlook of the U.S. industrial sector.

Methodology

The data is collected through surveys of manufacturing companies and aggregated into a composite confidence index.

Historical Context

The indicator is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve and other economic authorities to inform policy decisions.

Key Facts

  • The index ranges from 0 to 100, with 50 representing a neutral outlook.
  • Readings above 50 indicate optimism, while below 50 signals pessimism.
  • The indicator is released monthly by the Federal Reserve.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This indicator measures the overall confidence and sentiment of manufacturing firms in the United States. It provides a snapshot of the business outlook and expectations in the industrial sector.

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

A: The business confidence indicator is a valuable tool for economists, policymakers, and investors to gauge the health and future prospects of the U.S. manufacturing industry, which is a crucial driver of economic growth.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of manufacturing companies across the United States, and the responses are aggregated into a composite confidence index.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: The business confidence indicator is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve and other economic authorities to inform policy decisions, as it provides insights into the overall state of the manufacturing sector and its impact on the broader economy.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The business confidence indicator is released monthly, with a relatively short delay, making it a timely and relevant metric for economic analysis and forecasting.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Business Tendency Surveys (Manufacturing): Confidence Indicators: Composite Indicators: National Indicator for United States (BSCICP02USM460S), retrieved from FRED.