The Government Budget Value, often released as the Monthly Budget Statement, tracks the difference between the federal government's monthly receipts and outlays. A positive value indicates a budget surplus, while a negative value represents a deficit. This indicator is crucial for understanding the nation's fiscal health, its borrowing requirements, and the overall impact of government spending on the economy.
The data is compiled by the Bureau of the Fiscal Service by aggregating reports from various federal agencies and the Federal Reserve. It is calculated by subtracting total monthly outlays from total monthly receipts on a cash basis.
| Date | Actual | Forecast | Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 30, 2015 | -59.20 | — | — |
| Dec 30, 2014 | -24.15 | — | — |