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Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Trading Term

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is a U.S. government agency under the Department of Labor responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating economic data related to the labor market, inflation, productivity, and compensation. Established in 1884, the BLS is a primary source for widely followed reports like the monthly Employment Situation (Jobs Report) and the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

BLS data is used extensively by economists, policymakers, investors, and journalists to understand the health of the U.S. economy. For example, the unemployment rate, labor force participation rate, and nonfarm payrolls are core statistics released monthly, influencing decisions by the Federal Reserve, Congress, and financial markets. The data is collected through surveys like the Current Population Survey (CPS) and Current Employment Statistics (CES) program.

In addition to labor data, the BLS also provides insight into price trends (via CPI and PPI) and wage growth, which are crucial in assessing inflationary pressures. Accurate and timely, the BLS plays a vital role in shaping economic narratives, setting public policy, and guiding the decisions of households, businesses, and investors.

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