| unemployment rate | |
noun | |
| the percentage of the work force that is unemployed at any given date |
Unemployment Rate
The percentage of the total labor force that is unemployed but actively seeking employment and willing to work.
Investopedia Commentary
From 1948 to 2004, the monthly U.S. unemployment rate has ranged between about 2.5% to 10.8%, averaging approximately 5.6%. The unemployment rate is considered a lagging indicator, confirming but not foreshadowing long-term market trends.
Related Links
Surveying The Employment Report
Macroeconomic Analysis
Economic Indicators to Know
See also: Business Cycle, Coincident Indicator, Cyclical Unemployment, Frictional Unemployment, Lagging Indicator, Leading Indicator, Natural Unemployment, Structural Unemployment