Economic Policy Uncertainty Index for United States

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

Latest Value

218.84

Year-over-Year Change

-28.33%

Date Range

11/10/2022 - 8/5/2025

Summary

The Economic Policy Uncertainty Index for the United States measures economic policy-related uncertainty, reflecting newspaper coverage of policy-related economic uncertainty. It is a key indicator for policymakers and analysts assessing the economic climate.

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 Economic Policy Uncertainty Index aggregates newspaper coverage of policy-related economic uncertainty. It is a widely-used gauge of uncertainty around economic policy decisions, regulations, and their potential impacts on the broader economy.

Methodology

The index is calculated based on the frequency of certain keywords appearing in U.S. newspapers.

Historical Context

The index helps inform economic forecasting and provides insights for policymakers and market participants.

Key Facts

  • The index is published monthly by researchers at Stanford University and policy think tanks.
  • Higher index values indicate greater perceived uncertainty around economic policies.
  • The index spiked during major events like the global financial crisis and COVID-19 pandemic.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The Economic Policy Uncertainty Index measures the degree of uncertainty surrounding economic policies in the United States.

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

A: The index provides a real-time gauge of policy-related economic uncertainty, which can inform decision-making by policymakers, businesses, and investors.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The index is calculated based on the frequency of certain keywords related to economic policy appearing in major U.S. newspapers.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: The index helps policymakers and analysts assess the potential impacts of policy decisions and uncertainty on the broader economy and markets.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The index is published monthly, with a short lag, and may not capture all sources of policy uncertainty.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Economic Policy Uncertainty Index for United States (USEPUINDXD), retrieved from FRED.