Indicator Guide

This page explains the exact indicators used on the homepage snapshot and dashboard. We prefer official sources and link directly to the primary series.

Macro Snapshot (homepage + calculator)

Unemployment rate — UNRATE

• What it is: the headline unemployment rate (%).
• Why we show it: job shocks are one of the fastest ways households cross the line.
• Source: https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/UNRATE

Policy rate — FEDFUNDS

• What it is: effective federal funds rate (%).
• Why we show it: sets the “gravity” for borrowing costs (mortgages, credit cards, auto loans).
• Source: https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/FEDFUNDS

30Y mortgage rate — MORTGAGE30US

• What it is: average 30-year fixed mortgage rate (%).
• Why we show it: housing is the biggest fixed cost for most households; rates affect affordability.
• Source: https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/MORTGAGE30US

CPI YoY — CPIAUCSL (computed)

• What it is: CPI level index (not a percent).
• How we compute YoY: percent change vs 12 months prior.
• Why we show it: captures broad price pressure that erodes budgets.
• Source: https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CPIAUCSL

Wage growth YoY — CES0500000003 (computed)

• What it is: average hourly earnings level (not a percent).
• How we compute YoY: percent change vs 12 months prior.
• Why we show it: income-side pressure relief (or lack of it).
• Source: https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CES0500000003

Personal saving rate — PSAVERT

• What it is: personal saving rate (% of disposable personal income).
• Why we show it: proxy for buffer-building vs buffer-drawing-down.
• Source: https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/PSAVERT

Notes & caveats

• Revisions happen: macro series may be revised after first release.
• Frequency differs: some series are monthly, some weekly; don’t over-interpret day-to-day moves.
• Informational only: this site is not financial, legal, medical, or investment advice.