Postal Receipts for United States

M15006USM144NNBR • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

34.50

Year-over-Year Change

1.35%

Date Range

1/1/1897 - 3/1/1942

Summary

The Postal Receipts for United States measures the total revenue generated by the U.S. Postal Service. It is a leading indicator of economic activity, as changes in mail volume reflect broader macroeconomic trends.

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 series tracks the monthly total revenue collected by the U.S. Postal Service. It is used by economists and policymakers to gauge the health of the broader economy, as postal receipts tend to fluctuate with overall business and consumer activity.

Methodology

The data is collected directly from the U.S. Postal Service's financial reporting.

Historical Context

Postal receipts are closely monitored for their implications on consumer spending, business investment, and overall economic momentum.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. Postal Service generated over $73 billion in revenue in 2021.
  • Postal receipts declined during the COVID-19 pandemic as mail volume fell.
  • Changes in postal receipts often precede shifts in broader economic conditions.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The Postal Receipts for United States measures the total revenue collected by the U.S. Postal Service on a monthly basis.

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

A: Postal receipts are a useful indicator of overall economic activity, as changes in mail volume and revenue can signal shifts in consumer and business behavior.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected directly from the financial reporting of the U.S. Postal Service.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Postal receipts are monitored by economists and policymakers to gauge the health of the broader economy, as they can signal changes in consumer spending and business investment.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is released monthly with a relatively short lag, providing timely insights into economic conditions.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Postal Receipts for United States (M15006USM144NNBR), retrieved from FRED.