Industrial & Business

Capacity Utilization: Total Index

Fed measure of output from manufacturing, mining, and utilities as a percentage of capacity. Below 80% signals slack; above 85% signals potential inflation pressure. Use for industrial cycle analysis, capacity investment timing, and inflation risk assessment. Monthly frequency.

Industrial Production: Total Index

Federal Reserve index of real output from manufacturing, mining, and utilities. Covers roughly 15% of GDP but is highly cyclical and leads broader economic turns. Use for industrial recession detection and goods sector analysis. Monthly frequency.

Manufacturers' New Orders: Durable Goods

New orders placed with manufacturers for durable goods — items lasting 3+ years. Leading indicator of business investment and industrial activity. Volatile month-to-month due to aircraft orders; ex-transportation version smoother. Monthly frequency with full derived metrics.