Unemployment Rate
Returns the US unemployment rate from FRED. This is the most widely watched labor market indicator.
Data Source
Data is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics via FRED, reported monthly.
Notes
- Percentage of labor force unemployed
- Key Fed policy indicator
- Reported first Friday of each month
Examples
Current unemployment rate
When to Use
- Labor market health assessment
- Economic cycle analysis
- Fed policy prediction
- Recession analysis
When NOT to Use
| Scenario | Use Instead |
|---|---|
| Job quits | Quits() |
| Total separations | Separations() |
| Labor force participation | FRED direct access |
Common Issues & FAQ
Q: When is this released? A: First Friday of each month (Employment Situation report).
Q: What about discouraged workers? A: This is U-3 (official rate). U-6 includes discouraged workers (FRED access).
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