Smoothed World Uncertainty Index for United States
WUIMAUSA • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
0.39
Year-over-Year Change
572.36%
Date Range
7/1/1952 - 4/1/2025
Summary
The Smoothed World Uncertainty Index for the United States (WUIMAUSA) measures global economic policy uncertainty specific to the U.S. economy. This index is a valuable indicator for economists and policymakers analyzing the impact of uncertainty on economic conditions and policy decisions.
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 WUIMAUSA captures fluctuations in worldwide policy-related economic uncertainty that are relevant to the U.S. It is constructed by analyzing the frequency of articles discussing economic policy uncertainty in leading international newspapers, providing a quantitative measure of uncertainty to complement qualitative assessments.
Methodology
The index is calculated based on automated textual analysis of Economist Intelligence Unit country reports.
Historical Context
The WUIMAUSA is used by policymakers, economists, and investors to gauge the potential effects of heightened policy uncertainty on the U.S. economy and financial markets.
Key Facts
- The WUIMAUSA reached its highest level in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Increases in the WUIMAUSA have been linked to declines in business investment and household consumption.
- The index is updated monthly and available from 1996 to the present.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Smoothed World Uncertainty Index for the United States (WUIMAUSA) measures global economic policy uncertainty that is specific to the U.S. economy.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: The WUIMAUSA is a valuable indicator for economists and policymakers analyzing the impact of uncertainty on economic conditions and policy decisions in the U.S.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The index is calculated based on automated textual analysis of Economist Intelligence Unit country reports.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: The WUIMAUSA is used by policymakers, economists, and investors to gauge the potential effects of heightened policy uncertainty on the U.S. economy and financial markets.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The index is updated monthly and available from 1996 to the present.
Related Trends
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Smoothed World Uncertainty Index for United States (WUIMAUSA), retrieved from FRED.