Seasonally Adjusted

SMU72000005552210001SA • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

11.90

Year-over-Year Change

-2.46%

Date Range

1/1/2003 - 12/1/2013

Summary

The Seasonally Adjusted unemployment rate measures the percentage of the civilian labor force that is jobless. It is a key indicator of economic conditions and a critical statistic for policymakers and analysts.

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

The Seasonally Adjusted unemployment rate is a monthly statistic published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It adjusts the total unemployed figure to account for typical seasonal variations in hiring and layoffs, providing a more accurate picture of underlying labor market trends.

Methodology

The data is collected through household surveys and calculated using statistical models to remove seasonal fluctuations.

Historical Context

The unemployment rate is closely watched by the Federal Reserve and other policymakers to inform monetary and fiscal policy decisions.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. unemployment rate peaked at 14.7% in April 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The natural rate of unemployment is estimated to be around 4-5%.
  • The unemployment rate is a lagging economic indicator, often rising after a recession has begun.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The Seasonally Adjusted unemployment rate measures the percentage of the civilian labor force that is jobless, with seasonal variations removed to provide a more accurate picture of underlying labor market conditions.

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

A: The unemployment rate is a critical economic indicator that provides insights into the overall health of the labor market and broader economy. It is closely monitored by policymakers, economists, and market participants.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through household surveys conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and then adjusted using statistical models to remove seasonal fluctuations.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: The unemployment rate is a key input for the Federal Reserve and other policymakers when making decisions about monetary and fiscal policy, as it reflects the overall state of the labor market and economy.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The Seasonally Adjusted unemployment rate is published monthly, with a typical one-month lag. There may be occasional revisions to prior months' data as new information becomes available.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Seasonally Adjusted (SMU72000005552210001SA), retrieved from FRED.