Featured Data Additions, January 14, 2026

SURVEYS → Federal Reserve Surveys and Indicators → FRB Chicago → Labor Market Indicators

The Labor Market Indicators data set introduced in September 2025 by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago were added to the SURVEYS and USECON databases. These data, updated twice monthly, are designed to provide a more frequent and predictive look at national employment trends. Forecast data include a layoffs and other separations rate, the hiring rate for unemployed workers, and the unemployment rate.

Chart: These December data were released prior to December BLS Employment Situation. At the time, the relative odds of a decrease in the unemployment rate, as predicted by this model, was 47% - with a 28% chance of no change – and 25% odds of an increase. Of the decreases, there was a 26.3% chance of a 0.1% decrease. The official unemployment rate released on January 9th decreased from 4.5% to 4.4%.

EMERGEPR → China → Other Statistics → Business Bankruptcy and Liquidation Cases

Bankruptcy and compulsory liquidation statistics for China were added to the EMERGEPR database. Concepts include cases accepted, cases closed, and cases pending for bankruptcies, compulsory liquidations, applications, appeals, and cases under supervision. These annual data are sourced from the Supreme People’s Court and start in 2017.

Chart: Bankruptcies are increasing in China, where a protracted economic slowdown, a property slump, and elevated corporate debt levels have triggered high-profile collapses, including developer China Evergrande Group and shadow bank Zhongzhi. Chinese courts handled 31,288 bankruptcy cases in 2024, up from 7,306 in 2019, which is a 328% increase over five years.

UK → International Trade & Balance of Payments → Trade Value → Trade by Country (including Nonmonetary Gold)

Foreign trade in nonmonetary gold (NMG) statistics for the UK were added to the UK database. Series include both exports and imports of NMG and also excluding NMG. Detail for over forty countries is available. These monthly data are sourced from HM Revenue and Customs and start in January 2018.

Chart: Movements in NMG, an important component of precious metals, can be large and highly volatile, distorting underlying trends in goods exports and imports. Excluding NMG often shows a higher proportion of trade occurring with the EU compared to when NMG is included, highlighting its importance. For example, in July 2025 Exports to the EU accounted for 44% of the total value of exports, or 50% when excluding NMG. Imports from the EU accounted for 46% of the total value of imports, or 55% when excluding NMG.