Key Economic Indicator | Economic Indicators for Simple Econ

Key Economic Indicators Overview

Economics is the study of how individuals, businesses, and governments make choices about allocating scarce resources to satisfy their unlimited wants and needs. It examines how these decisions affect the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.

Economic Indicator

Value

Trend

Overview

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

2Q26 + 1.5%
‘26 YTD +2.1%

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country's borders over a specitic period, typically measured annually or quarterly. GDP is commonly used as an indicator of a nation's economic health and growth, reflecting the size and performance of its economy.

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Definition of GDP

Gross Domestic Product per Capita

USA $90,000.00

GLOBAL $14,406.00

GDP divided by the population. It gives a rough estimate of the average economic output or income per person.

Definition of GDP per Capita

Productivity

2Q26 - +1.4%

In economics, productivity is defined as the measure of how efficiently goods and services are produced, typically expressed as the ratio of output to input. It reflects how much output (such as products or services) is generated per unit of input (such as labor, capital, or raw materials) within a given period. Higher productivity indicates that more output is produced with the same or fewer resources, which can lead to economic growth and improved standards of living.

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Definition of Productivity

Employment/Wages

Unemployment 4.1%

Wages 6/30 YTD +$3500

Unemployment refers to the situation in which individuals who are capable of working are actively seeking work but are unable to find a job. It is commonly measured as the percentage of the labor force that is without work but available and looking for employment.

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Definition of Employment/Wages

Consumer Spending

2026 YTD +3.7%

U.S. consumer spending is still rising in 2026, with monthly data showing steady gains and continued resilience across income groups. The most recent official BEA release reports May 2026 PCE up +0.7% and April 2026 up +0.4% a solid pace given elevated inflation and softening labor markets.

BEA – Bureau of Economic Analysis

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Consumer Spending

Taxes

RECEIVED 1Q26 +5.5%

Mandatory contributions paid to governments by individuals and businesses. They fund public services and influence economic behavior and growth.

Taxes

Inflation

2Q26 CPI -.4%

12 MONTHS +3.5%

TRUFLATION A/O 8-6-26 +2.29%

Green zigzag arrow pointing down and right

Inflation causes prices to rise over time, reducing purchasing power. While inflation has slowed to about 2.4% and wages have started to recover, many households are still feeling the lasting effects of higher prices.

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Inflation

Government Debt

A/O 8-9-26 $39.9 TRILLION

The total amount a government owes due to borrowing. It reflects past deficits and impacts interest rates, policy decisions, and economic stability.

Government Debt

Personal Wealth

Average $1,059,470
Median $192,084

The total value of an individual’s assets (like property, savings, and investments) minus liabilities. It indicates financial health and long-term security.

Personal Wealth

Personal Debt

$105,000 - $177,000

Money owed by individuals, including loans, credit cards, and mortgages. High debt levels can limit spending and financial flexibility.

Personal Debt

Manufacturing PMI

JUNE 2026 55.6%

An index that measures activity in the manufacturing sector. A value above 50 indicates expansion, while below 50 signals contraction.

Manufacturing PMI

Service PMI

JUNE 2026 54.1%

Similar to Manufacturing PMI, but tracks activity in the services sector. It provides insight into economic trends in industries like finance, healthcare, and retail.

Service PMI

M2 Money Supply

$23.155 TRILLION

A measure of the total money in circulation, including cash, checking deposits, and easily convertible near money. It helps gauge liquidity and potential inflation in the economy.

M2 Money Supply

S&P 500

A/O 8/7/2026
7754.64 +13.7% YTD

The S&P 500 Index is a list of 500 of the largest publicly traded U.S. stocks. They represent the largest and most important companies in the country and spans a broad cross-section of the economy. S&P Dow Jones Indices, a subsidiary of S&P Global, manages the index. Weighted by market capitalization, the index is considered to be one of the best gauges of U.S. equities, the stock market, and the American economy. The index actually includes 503 constituents because three companies have two share
classes listed

S&P 500