Featured Data Additions

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%.

BENELUX → Netherlands → Financial → Money, Banking and Credit → Modified Duration of Pension Funds

Modified duration of pension funds statistics for the Netherlands was added to the BENELUX database. Modified duration represents the average time until liabilities are paid, expressed in years, showing how sensitive the fund's total liability value is to a 1% change in interest rates. Detail is available for company pension funds, industry-wide, and other pension funds. These quarterly data are sourced from the Netherlands Central Bank and starts in Q1 2007.

Chart: The modified duration of Dutch pension funds is expected to decrease significantly as they transition from a Defined Benefit to a Defined Contribution system. This shift will cause them to reduce their demand for long-dated bonds. The first major installment is expected on January 1st, when approximately 550 billion euros in assets will be transferred. As a result, yields on 30-year Dutch and German government bond yields have risen to levels not seen since 2011.

SURVEYS → Federal Reserve Surveys and Indicators → Recent College Graduates Labor Market

Labor market statistics for recent college graduates in the US were added to the SURVEYS database. This data set includes unemployment rates, underemployment rates, and annual wage data for recent college graduates and other selected demographics useful for comparison. These monthly and annual data are sourced from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and start in 1990.

Chart: Labor market conditions remained challenging for recent college graduates during the third quarter of 2025. The unemployment rate increased to 5.8% in September and remained elevated for the quarter at an average of 5.3%. The underemployment rate rose to 41.8% - its highest level since 2020. Underemployment is defined as the share of college graduates working in jobs that typically do not require a college degree.

TRANSPRT → Cargo and Freight Statistics → Jamaica

Cargo statistics for Jamaica’s ports were added to the TRANSPRT database. Detail includes series for transshipments and domestic cargo loaded and discharged at the Port of Kingston and outports, which refer to all major ports besides the primary Port of Kingston. These monthly data are sourced from The Port Authority of Jamaica and begin in January 2017.

Chart: Port of Kingston transshipment cargo handling is on a strong positive trajectory. YTD y/y growth was 6.21% in July following almost two years of consecutive positive growth. This is being driven by major investments, new modern equipment like Super Post-Panamax cranes, expansion projects and achievement of international security standards - all positioning Jamaica as a key Caribbean logistics hub.

CRYPTO → Market Capitalization, Price & Volume → Stablecoins

Market cap and turnover volume aggregates for stablecoins were added to the CRYPTO database. A stablecoin is a cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value relative to a certain asset. They are less volatile than other cryptocurrencies, making them a relatively reliable medium of exchange within the blockchain universe. These 7-day daily data are sourced from CoinGecko and start in 2015.

Chart: Stablecoins are in the spotlight because of the GENIUS Act, which was signed into law in July and provides a regulatory framework for their adoption and issuance. Today, the stablecoin market has grown to $311 billion, accounting for 9.9% of the broader $3 trillion crypto ecosystem. The stablecoin market cap ended November at a 0.29% month over month decrease, but prior to that, it sustained 25 consecutive months of positive growth.

NORDIC → Norway → Employment, Earnings and Labor Cost → Flows between Labor Force Statuses

Flows between labor force statuses for Norway were added to the NORDIC database. This dataset includes measures in and out of employed, unemployed and inactive. Series are available as flows reported in thousands or flows reported as percents of the labor force status. Quarterly data are sourced from Statistics Norway and start in Q2 2006.

Chart: Historically, intersections between improving status flows and worsening status flows have aligned with recessionary periods in Norway. Since Q4 2020, improvements in labor force status flows have been greater than worsening labor force status flows. However, despite the flows never coming close to intersecting, Norway did experience a recessionary period in 2022 to 2023.

ENERGY → Petroleum → Petroleum Product Prices Including Pump Prices → South Africa

Fuel prices for South Africa were added to ENERGY. Prices for petrol, diesel, kerosene and LPG are available for inland and coastal regions. These 7-day daily data are sourced from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) and start in January 2013. The DMRE is the government body responsible for setting and announcing monthly adjustments to the regulated fuel prices which take effect every first Wednesday of the month.

Chart: On the morning of Wednesday, Nov 5th, South Africa’s fuel prices were cut across the board. Inland prices for petroleum-based fuels saw a rather large cut of R0.51c/l, while diesel motorists saw a smaller cut of R0.21c/l. Kerosene and LPG prices were also slashed. Despite a sudden surge in oil prices in late October, a strong month for the rand compared to the US$ helped materialize the price cut.

GLSECTOR → Selected Indicators by Country/Special Areas → Indonesia → Agricultural Production

Agricultural production statistics for Indonesia were added to the GLSECTOR database. This table reported in thousands of metric tons includes some of the major commodities like rubber, palm oil, and sugar cane. Monthly data are sourced from Badan Pusat Statistik and start in January 2009.

Chart: While the rubber production sector is economically important and employs millions, it faces challenges like declining productivity per hectare, low prices, and stagnant demand over the last decade. On the other hand, palm oil is more profitable, leading farmers to convert rubber plantations to oil palm. The commodity benefits from high global demand, government support, and favorable cultivation conditions, driving its expansion.