Federal Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment

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

Latest Value

1,938.67

Year-over-Year Change

19.52%

Date Range

1/1/1947 - 4/1/2025

Summary

Federal Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment measures government spending on goods and services, a key component of GDP. It provides insight into the fiscal policy stance and overall economic activity.

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 metric tracks the value of purchases made by federal, state, and local governments, including compensation of government employees, consumption of fixed capital, and investment in infrastructure and equipment. It's a closely watched indicator of the government's role in the economy.

Methodology

The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis using information from federal, state, and local budget reports.

Historical Context

Federal spending is a significant driver of economic growth and a tool for fiscal policy, so this trend is closely monitored by policymakers, economists, and investors.

Key Facts

  • Federal spending accounts for nearly 20% of total U.S. GDP.
  • Government investment in infrastructure and R&D can boost long-term productivity.
  • Changes in federal spending levels can have significant macroeconomic impacts.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This metric tracks the value of purchases made by federal, state, and local governments, including compensation of government employees, consumption of fixed capital, and investment in infrastructure and equipment.

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

A: Federal spending is a significant driver of economic growth and a tool for fiscal policy, so this trend is closely monitored by policymakers, economists, and investors to understand the government's role in the economy.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis using information from federal, state, and local budget reports.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Changes in federal spending levels can have significant macroeconomic impacts, so this trend is used by policymakers, economists, and analysts to assess the government's fiscal stance and its effects on economic growth, inflation, and other key indicators.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is released quarterly by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, with a lag of several weeks. There may be revisions to historical data as more complete information becomes available.

Similar FGCE Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Federal Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment (FGCE), retrieved from FRED.