Sectoral Output for Wholesale Trade: Chemical and Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers (NAICS 4246) in the United States
Percent Change from Year Ago
IPUGN4246T301000000 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
-2.00
Year-over-Year Change
-300.00%
Date Range
1/1/1988 - 1/1/2024
Summary
The 'Percent Change from Year Ago' metric measures the annual percent change in U.S. industrial production. It is a key economic indicator used to assess the health and direction of the manufacturing sector.
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 industrial production index tracks changes in the total output of U.S. factories, mines, and utilities. It is a widely monitored gauge of economic activity and a barometer for the broader economy.
Methodology
The Federal Reserve collects and aggregates data from thousands of firms to calculate this monthly industrial production index.
Historical Context
Policymakers and analysts closely follow this trend to inform decisions around monetary policy, investment, and economic forecasting.
Key Facts
- The index uses 2017 as the base year with a value of 100.
- Manufacturing accounts for over 75% of the total industrial production index.
- Percent change has ranged from -13.7% to +17.5% over the past 20 years.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The 'Percent Change from Year Ago' metric tracks the annual percent change in the Federal Reserve's industrial production index, a key measure of manufacturing output and economic activity.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This industrial production trend is an important barometer for the health of the U.S. economy, providing insights into the direction and pace of manufacturing activity that can inform business decisions, investment strategies, and economic policy.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The Federal Reserve compiles production data from thousands of manufacturing, mining, and utility firms to calculate the monthly industrial production index.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and economists closely monitor this industrial production metric to assess the strength of the broader economy and inform decisions around monetary policy, fiscal stimulus, and regulatory actions.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The industrial production index is released by the Federal Reserve on a monthly basis, with a typical delay of around 2-3 weeks from the end of the reference month.
Related Trends
Unit Labor Costs for Wholesale Trade: Wholesale Trade (NAICS 42) in the United States
IPUGN42U100000000
Real Sectoral Output for Wholesale Trade: Hardware, and Plumbing and Heating Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (NAICS 4237) in the United States
IPUGN4237T010000000
Labor Compensation for Wholesale Trade: Beer, Wine, and Distilled Alcoholic Beverage Merchant Wholesalers (NAICS 4248) in the United States
IPUGN4248U110000000
Labor Productivity for Wholesale Trade: Professional and Commercial Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (NAICS 4234) in the United States
IPUGN4234L001000000
Unit Labor Costs for Wholesale Trade: Beer, Wine, and Distilled Alcoholic Beverage Merchant Wholesalers (NAICS 4248) in the United States
IPUGN4248U101000000
Labor Compensation for Wholesale Trade: Paper and Paper Product Merchant Wholesalers (NAICS 4241) in the United States
IPUGN4241L021000000
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Percent Change from Year Ago (IPUGN4246T301000000), retrieved from FRED.