TRADE STATISTICS AND PUBLIC POLICY.

The article discusses the impact of legislation pertaining to trade statistics in the U.S. post World War I. In 1925 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that trade associations could exchange statistics and policy information amongst themselves. Analysts say the Court recognized the value of collecting and broadcasting business information relative to market conditions. They believe this stimulates trade further by providing reliable facts of value to business. The information is represented by statistics including those referring to supply and demand factors, cost figures, and productive capacity.