The economy is in constant motion, and here at JDA, we’ve got our finger on the pulse. Our economists monitor the ebbs and flows of key indicators to provide critical analysis to our clients so they can make informed business decisions. Following are a series of six economic indicators that together paint the most current picture of US economic activity.
Communications
THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY
Nominal Broad U.S. Dollar Index (DTWEXBGS)
The Nominal Broad U.S. Dollar Index is a trade weighted index that reflects the value of the U.S. dollar relative to a broad set of currencies. It is calculated by the Federal Reserve and is set to a base value of 100 as of January 2006. There has been a significant appreciation since 2006, and during the month of October 2025, the value rose by .7%
Source: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (US), Nominal Broad U.S. Dollar Index [DTWEXBGS], retrieved from FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis; https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/DTWEXBGS.
Job Postings on Indeed in the United States (IHLIDXUS)
Indeed calculates the index change in seasonally-adjusted job postings since February 1, 2020, using a 7-day trailing average. During the month of October 2025, jobs postings have decreased by 8.5%.
Source Indeed, Job Postings on Indeed in the United States [IHLIDXUS], retrieved from FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis; https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/IHLIDXUS.
Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average (CPIAUCSL)
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items (CPIAUCSL) is a price index of a basket of goods and services paid by urban consumers. Percent changes in the price index measure the inflation rate between any two time periods. Prices rose slightly in September 2025 by .31%.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average [CPIAUCSL], retrieved from FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis; https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CPIAUCSL.
Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE)
Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) is a measure of the value of goods and services purchased by U.S. consumers, reflecting their spending habits and economic health. Consumer spending has been steadily rising and was up by 1.2% in August 2025.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Personal Consumption Expenditures [PCE], retrieved from FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis; https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/PCE.
10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Minus Federal Funds Rate (T10YFF)
The 10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Minus Federal Funds Rate (T10YFF) represents the difference between the yield on a 10 year Treasury bond and the Federal Funds Rate. It help gauge the demand for US Treasuries and influences interest rates in the economy. As of October 2025, the rate was 0.09%
Source: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, 10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Minus Federal Funds Rate [T10YFF], retrieved from FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis; https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/T10YFF.
Crude Oil Prices: West Texas Intermediate (WTI) - Cushing, Oklahoma (DCOILWTICO)
The West Texas Intermediate (WTI) is one of the main global benchmarks of oil pricing. As of October 30,2025, the current price is 57.85 per barrel.
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Crude Oil Prices: West Texas Intermediate (WTI) - Cushing, Oklahoma [DCOILWTICO], retrieved from FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis; https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/DCOILWTICO.
