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Data & Indicators

9 articles

The Gini Coefficient and the Lorenz Curve: Measuring Inequality in a Single Number

The Gini coefficient compresses a whole income distribution into one number between 0 and 1. Here's what it measures, how to compute it, and where it misleads.

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◆ DATA & INDICATORS

↔ Also in Income & Inequality

How Income Is Distributed in the United States: A Data-Led Look

The top fifth of U.S. households takes about half of all income; the bottom fifth gets roughly 3%. What the Census data shows, and what it leaves out.

6 min read·June 3, 2026

Quick Answers

7 terms

What Is PCE?

Personal Consumption Expenditures. The Fed's preferred inflation measure.

What Is GDP?

Gross Domestic Product. The total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country in a period.

What Is Nonfarm Payrolls?

Monthly jobs added or lost, excluding farm workers. The most market-moving economic release.

What Is Core Inflation?

Inflation excluding volatile food and energy prices. Shows underlying price pressure.

What Is the Unemployment Rate?

The percentage of the labor force that is jobless and actively seeking work. Published monthly by the BLS.

What Is the Yield Curve?

A chart plotting bond yields across different maturities. The shape signals economic expectations.

What Is the Consumer Price Index (CPI)?

A measure of average price changes for a fixed basket of goods and services. The primary inflation metric.

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