EconGrader

Methodology

EconGrader scores the U.S. economy using publicly available federal data. This page explains how we score, how we update, and the limitations of any single composite measure. Specific datasets are cited inline on the pages where each claim is made, not aggregated here.

Editorial process

Research and drafting are AI-assisted. Every guide, indicator explainer, and grade rationale is reviewed by the EconGrader editorial team before publication. We update content when underlying federal data is released or when methodology evolves. Corrections to verified errors are made promptly and noted on the affected page.

How we score

The EconGrader composite evaluates the U.S. economy across six dimensions, weighted equally (each contributes one-sixth of the composite score):

  • Growth: real GDP growth.
  • Jobs: unemployment rate.
  • Prices: 10-year breakeven inflation expectations relative to the Federal Reserve's 2% target.
  • Rates: Federal Funds Rate.
  • Consumer: Consumer Sentiment Index.
  • Housing: housing starts.

Each dimension is normalized to a 0–100 component score and combined to produce the composite. The component scores are converted to letter grades (A through F) for display. Specific component thresholds and conversion details are intentionally not published, so the grade is interpreted as a directional signal rather than a precise economic forecast.

Update cadence

  • Indicator values: refreshed daily from the source APIs.
  • Economy grades: recalculated weekly.
  • Guides and glossary: regenerated when underlying data revisions or methodology changes warrant it.
  • Pages: served from a 30-minute ISR cache; on-demand revalidation runs after editorial updates.

What this score does NOT cover

The EconGrader score is a comparative directional tool, not a personal recommendation or forecast. It does not factor in income inequality, regional or sector-specific variation, financial market valuation, currency or trade dynamics, or the full range of leading indicators an economist might consult. It is not investment advice. Always consult a qualified professional for decisions specific to your situation.

Editorial team and corrections

See our about page for who we are, our editorial guidelines for content standards, and our contact page to flag corrections.