| Definition:
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The Help Wanted Index tracks the help-wanted advertising in 51 major newspapers across the nation. Data for the index is sorted regionally and by the metro area. The index is based on a value of 100 with 1987 as the base year.
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| Meaning:
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The Federal Reserve Board and other policy makers watch the Help Wanted Index to track trends within the labor market. Analysts use this index to help forecast the employment situation. For instance, if the Help Wanted Index is very high it could mean that there are is a shortage of workers to fill the available positions, which could, in turn, lead to higher wages in order to attract applicants. Higher wages are often passed along as higher wholesale and consumer prices. The index helps to gauge inflationary pressures created by rising wages.
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| Weight:
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*
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| Source:
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The Conference Board
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| Availability:
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Report is released on the last Thursday of the month following the reference month.
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| Frequency:
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Monthly
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| Coverage:
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Data is for the previous month (Data for June is released in July)
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| Volatility:
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Moderate
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Impact on the Markets:
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| Interest Rates:
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Help Wanted Index  = Interest Rates
Help Wanted Index  = Interest Rates
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| Fixed-income:
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Help Wanted Index = Bond Market
Help Wanted Index = Bond Market
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| Equities:
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Help Wanted Index = Stock Market
Help Wanted Index = Stock Market
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| Dollar:
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Help Wanted Index = Uncertain
Help Wanted Index = Uncertain
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| More Information:
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The Conference Board
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