Government Current Expenditures
GEXPND • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
10,426.80
Year-over-Year Change
19.76%
Date Range
1/1/1947 - 4/1/2025
Summary
The Government Current Expenditures (GEXPND) metric tracks spending by federal, state, and local governments on goods, services, and transfer payments. It is a key indicator of fiscal policy and 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
GEXPND represents the total current expenditures made by U.S. government entities, including employee compensation, purchases of goods and services, and transfer payments to households and businesses. It is a widely-followed economic indicator used to assess the government's role in the economy.
Methodology
The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) as part of the National Income and Product Accounts (NIPA).
Historical Context
GEXPND is closely monitored by policymakers, analysts, and investors to gauge the fiscal policy stance and its potential macroeconomic impacts.
Key Facts
- GEXPND accounts for over 20% of U.S. GDP.
- Government spending rose sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- GEXPND data is released quarterly by the BEA.
FAQs
Q: What does the Government Current Expenditures (GEXPND) trend measure?
A: GEXPND measures the total current spending by federal, state, and local governments on employee compensation, purchases of goods and services, and transfer payments to households and businesses.
Q: Why is the GEXPND trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: GEXPND is a key indicator of fiscal policy and an important component of overall economic activity. It is closely monitored by policymakers, economists, and investors to assess the government's role in the economy.
Q: How is the GEXPND data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) as part of the National Income and Product Accounts (NIPA).
Q: How is the GEXPND trend used in economic policy?
A: GEXPND data is used by policymakers, economists, and analysts to evaluate the fiscal policy stance and its potential macroeconomic impacts on factors like economic growth, inflation, and employment.
Q: Are there any update delays or limitations with the GEXPND data?
A: The GEXPND data is released quarterly by the BEA, with some lag from the end of the reference period. There may also be revisions to historical data as more complete information becomes available.
Related Trends
Real Government Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment: Federal: Education
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Government current transfer payments
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Net value added: Net domestic product: General government
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Gross government saving: Federal
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Value Added by Industry: Government
VAG
Real federal government consumption expenditures: Defense consumption expenditures: Gross output of general government: Value added
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Government Current Expenditures (GEXPND), retrieved from FRED.