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STATISTICS
The United States collects, analyzes, and disseminates more economic data than any other country. Until the 1920s, however, the federal government did not regularly produce detailed measures of economic performance and many current measures did not exist until the late 1940s. The United States does not have a central statistical office. There are only a few federal agencies that exist solely to create statistics, but over one hundred participate in statistical processes that have, over the years, been dictated by legislation in response to emerging needs. The major agencies involved in the dissemination of federal statistics are the Bureau of the Census, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the National Center for Education Statistics, the National Center Education Statistics, the Department of Agriculture's Statistical Reporting Service, and the Energy Information Administration. Some agencies analyze data from other sources. Examples are the Council of Economic Advisors, the Congressional Budget Office, and the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Fedstats provides direct links to most federal government statistics. The White House Economic Statistics Briefing Room also provides a constantly updated overview of U.S. economic indicators, with links to the responsible agency. The Statistical Abstract of the U.S. is the statistical yearbook of the United States.
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Bureau of Labor Statistics timeseries data. The Bureau of Labor Statistics public database, called LABSTAT, provides current and historical data for 26 surveys, as well as numerous press releases.
Bureau of the Census
In addition to the Population Estimates, the government regularly (every 5 years) conducts extensive censuses of business areas. 1987 and 1992 are the two most recent business census years. Some of the 1992 data is still being processed. Different census reports cover these areas: Construction, Retail Trade, Manufacturing Industries, Service Industries, Transportation, Mining, and Agriculture.
Federal Reserve Board
This site includes links to the federal reserve banks and other related federal agencies. Provides current interest rate statistics, bank prime rates, foreign exchange rates, U.S. government securities rates, conventional mortgage rates.
Economy Track
Compiled by USA Today. Includes economy reports, statistics, forecasts, factory orders, federal reserve reports, housing starts, gross domestic product (gdp), leading economic indicators index, prices, productivity, retail sales, trade, unemployment, and related links.
Statistical Resources on the Web
"Index to statistical web sites and individual statistical publications arranged by broad subject category from the University of Michigan Documents Center."
Trade Statistics
Under the 1988 Omnibus Trade Act, the U.S. Commerce Department created the Office of Business Analysis, which was charged with collecting international trade data from other government agencies. In 1994, the Office of Business Analysis re-opened as STAT-USA, an independent, self-supporting service that offers an extensive collection of government export and trade information, including trade leads, market research reports, directories of exporters and descriptions of specific countries. STAT-USA is a subscription-based Internet service.
The Commerce Department's International Trade Administration (ITA) provides overviews of international trade markets. Features at the ITA site include trade statistics; information on most of the leading markets of the world; coverage of key industrial and services clusters; information on export programs and initiatives; and information on antidumping and countervailing duty legislation. Go to the ITA's Office of Trade and Economic Analysis for free access to a selection of trade statistics. See a Comprehensive Guide to International Trade Terms (Commerce Dept) for a description of U.S, trade agreements and trade vocabulary. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative negotiates all U.S. trade agreements and prepares the annual National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers.
Trade Data Online
Information on the value of U.S. and Canadian imports and domestic exports for more than 5,000 commodities in more than 500 industries for more than 200 countries. Search by keywords or SIC (industry) or HS6 (commodity) code.
Cost of Living
Relocation Salary Calculator
The Center for Mobility Resources, which sponsors this site, maintains cost of living information for 450 cities in the USA.
Currency Exchange Rates
N.Y. Federal Reserve Bank: Foreign exchange rates
What is a dollar worth? (Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis)
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