Economic Policy Uncertainty Index: Categorical Index: Entitlement programs
EPUENTITLE • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
825.74
Year-over-Year Change
2293.48%
Date Range
1/1/1985 - 6/1/2025
Summary
The Economic Policy Uncertainty Index: Categorical Index: Entitlement programs measures uncertainty around U.S. government economic policies related to entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare. It is an important indicator for economists and policymakers assessing the policy environment.
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 index is part of the broader Economic Policy Uncertainty Index, which tracks policy-related economic uncertainty. The entitlement programs index specifically focuses on uncertainty surrounding legislation, regulations, and political discourse affecting major social insurance programs.
Methodology
The index is constructed by analyzing mentions of 'economic policy uncertainty' and 'entitlement programs' in major U.S. newspapers.
Historical Context
Policymakers and market analysts use this index to gauge uncertainty around fiscal and social policies that could impact consumer and business confidence.
Key Facts
- The index has been published monthly since 1985.
- Elevated values indicate heightened uncertainty around entitlement programs.
- The index reached record highs during policy debates over the Affordable Care Act and Social Security reform.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Economic Policy Uncertainty Index: Categorical Index: Entitlement programs measures uncertainty surrounding U.S. government policies and regulations related to major social insurance programs like Social Security and Medicare.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This index provides insight into the policy environment and its potential impact on consumer and business confidence, which is crucial for economists and policymakers assessing the broader economic outlook.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The index is constructed by analyzing mentions of 'economic policy uncertainty' and 'entitlement programs' in major U.S. newspapers.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and market analysts use this index to gauge uncertainty around fiscal and social policies that could impact consumer and business confidence, informing their assessments and decisions.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The index is published monthly, with no significant update delays. However, it may not capture all sources of uncertainty related to entitlement programs.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Economic Policy Uncertainty Index: Categorical Index: Entitlement programs (EPUENTITLE), retrieved from FRED.