Federal Reserve Economic Data

Frequently Asked Questions


How Does FRED Update Its Database?

FRED has established a formal procedure to ensure the accurate publication of data from trusted sources: Only then are new data values added. After the FRED Team validates each new version (or vintage) of a data series released by a … Continue reading

Posted in Understanding the Data, Frequently Asked Questions

What Does FRED Do To Ensure It Publishes Data Accurately?

FRED has multiple layers of checks to ensure the accurate publication of data from trusted sources. When data releases are added or updated, FRED validates the data against data already published by the same source. The Data Desk looks for … Continue reading

Posted in Understanding the Data, Frequently Asked Questions

How Does FRED Add New Data?

FRED is a data aggregator that enlists a data committee composed of St. Louis Fed economists, librarians, and information professionals to review content that may be added to FRED. Considerations include the data source’s methodology and reputation as well as … Continue reading

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FRED in Action Videos

What’s the Link between Education and Unemployment? How Has Job Growth Changed Since the Great Recession? Is the economy performing to its potential? Have Wages Kept Up with Inflation?

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What Formulas are Used to Calculate Growth Rates?

Note that because FRED uses levels and rounded data as published by the source, calculations of percentage changes and/or growth rates in some series may not be identical to those in the original releases. The following formulas are used: Change:   … Continue reading

Posted in Understanding the Data, Frequently Asked Questions

What Dates Are Used for the U.S. Recession Bars?

FRED uses business cycle turning points determined by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) for recession shading on graphs. Although recessions may end before the NBER determines the official end date, FRED graphs will continue to display shading for … Continue reading

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Contact Us

If you have questions about the data in the FRED® database, please send us an email. We are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Central Time.

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Cite the Data

For citation information, scroll below any FRED graph and view the Notes. View the “Suggested Citation” to see how you may cite the data series. The notes also sometimes include any relevant copyright information. In cases where copyright information is … Continue reading

Posted in Frequently Asked Questions, How can I share my FRED graph?

Customize Data, Add Series to Existing Line

You can create a customized formula to combine two series on one graph line. To do so, above the graph, click the “EDIT GRAPH” button. In the pop-up box that appears, click the “EDIT LINE” tab. (If you have more … Continue reading

Posted in Frequently Asked Questions, How can I customize a FRED graph?

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