Business Fixed Investment (Quarterly Change) vs Producer Price Index (PPI) — Year-over-Year
Business Fixed Investment (Quarterly Change) is currently 3.8% (down -0.9%). Producer Price Index (PPI) — Year-over-Year is currently 2.7% (down -0.5%).
| Metric | Business Fixed Investment (Quarterly Change) | Producer Price Index (PPI) — Year-over-Year |
|---|---|---|
| Current value | 3.8% | 2.7% |
| Previous reading | 4.7% | 3.2% |
| Change | -0.9% | -0.5% |
| Trend | down | down |
| Frequency | Quarterly | Monthly |
| Source | Bureau of Economic Analysis | Bureau of Labor Statistics |
| Last updated | 2026-03-27 | 2026-03-13 |
| Category | growth | inflation |
What Business Fixed Investment (Quarterly Change) measures
Business fixed investment measures spending by businesses on structures (factories, offices), equipment, and intellectual property products (software, R&D). It reflects corporate confidence in future demand and is a key component of GDP.
Business investment grew at 3.8% annualized — positive but decelerating from 4.7% last quarter. AI-related capital expenditure (data centers, chips, software) is a bright spot, while traditional equipment investment is more muted. For executives, sustained investment growth signals corporate confidence, but the deceleration suggests some companies are becoming more cautious amid tariff uncertainty and tight financial conditions.
What Producer Price Index (PPI) — Year-over-Year measures
The Producer Price Index measures the average change in selling prices received by domestic producers for their output. It is a leading indicator of consumer inflation — rising producer costs eventually get passed to consumers.
PPI declining to 2.7% from 3.2% signals easing upstream cost pressures. For executives, falling producer prices suggest input cost relief is coming — raw materials, components, and wholesale goods are becoming cheaper relative to recent months. This is bullish for profit margins if selling prices remain stable.
Frequently asked
Business Fixed Investment (Quarterly Change) is currently 3.8%, down -0.9% from the previous reading. Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, updated quarterly.
Producer Price Index (PPI) — Year-over-Year is currently 2.7%, down -0.5% from the previous reading. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, updated monthly.
Business investment grew at 3.8% annualized — positive but decelerating from 4.7% last quarter. AI-related capital expenditure (data centers, chips, software) is a bright spot, while traditional equip PPI declining to 2.7% from 3.2% signals easing upstream cost pressures. For executives, falling producer prices suggest input cost relief is coming — raw materials, components, and wholesale goods are