Employment for Wholesale Trade: Hardware, and Plumbing and Heating Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (NAICS 4237) in the United States

Percent Change from Year Ago

IPUGN4237W201000000 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

0.30

Year-over-Year Change

0.00%

Date Range

1/1/1988 - 1/1/2024

Summary

The 'Percent Change from Year Ago' trend measures the year-over-year change in U.S. industrial production, providing insight into the health and direction of the overall economy.

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 key economic indicator tracks the percentage change in the total output of U.S. factories, mines, and utilities compared to the same month in the prior year. It serves as an important barometer of economic activity and is closely monitored by policymakers and analysts.

Methodology

The Federal Reserve collects and calculates this data based on monthly surveys of industrial facilities.

Historical Context

Percent Change from Year Ago is a widely followed metric that informs economic forecasting, monetary policy decisions, and market assessments.

Key Facts

  • U.S. industrial production accounts for around 20% of the overall economy.
  • The percent change from a year ago reached a low of -12.7% in April 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Industrial production has historically been a leading indicator of broader economic trends.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The 'Percent Change from Year Ago' measures the year-over-year percentage change in total U.S. industrial production, including manufacturing, mining, and utilities.

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

A: This metric provides valuable insight into the health and direction of the overall economy, as industrial output is a key driver of economic growth. It informs economic forecasting, policy decisions, and market assessments.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The Federal Reserve collects monthly survey data from industrial facilities and calculates the year-over-year percent change in total industrial production.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Percent Change from Year Ago is closely monitored by policymakers, central banks, and economists to assess current economic conditions and inform monetary and fiscal policy decisions.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The Federal Reserve publishes this data on a monthly basis, with a typical release lag of around one month. There are no major known limitations to the data collection or calculation methodology.

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Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Percent Change from Year Ago (IPUGN4237W201000000), retrieved from FRED.