Sometimes, but not across the board. FRED permits specified commercial uses of series labeled “Public Domain: Citation requested” or “Copyrighted: Citation required” when you credit both FRED and the original data source. A series labeled “Copyrighted: Pre-approval required” needs permission from its rights holder for uses beyond personal, non-commercial purposes. An API key gives access to data; it does not override the rights attached to a series.
Check the rights for each series
FRED includes data from the St. Louis Fed and outside providers, so permission can differ from one series to another. Open the specific series page, review its copyright label and notes, and use its suggested citation. The current FRED Services Terms of Use identify three labels:
- Public Domain: Citation requested — May be used for internal commercial purposes and may be displayed in textbooks, newsletters, or reports to clients if you attribute FRED and the original data source.
- Copyrighted: Citation required — The same specified commercial uses are allowed with attribution to FRED and the original data source.
- Copyrighted: Pre-approval required — Obtain the rights holder’s express written permission before using the series for purposes beyond personal, non-commercial use.
When the series comes from another provider, cite that source as the series notes direct—for example, “BLS via FRED” when appropriate. FRED cannot grant permission on behalf of a third-party data owner.
How the intended use affects the answer
Internal commercial analysis
For the first two labels, FRED’s terms expressly permit internal commercial use with the required attribution. The label does not, by itself, settle every possible form of redistribution or product integration; check the separate service and API terms as well.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Client reports and public-facing materials
FRED’s terms expressly allow the first two labels to be displayed in reports to clients, textbooks, and newsletters when attribution is given to both FRED and the original source. For other kinds of public display or redistribution, confirm that the specific use fits the terms and any source-provider conditions.
Products using pre-approval series
If the series is marked “Copyrighted: Pre-approval required,” contact the rights holder before using it beyond personal, non-commercial purposes. FRED’s API terms likewise tell users to contact third-party owners before using their data for anything beyond personal use. See the FRED API Terms of Use.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
An API key is access, not a commercial license
The API can retrieve FRED and ALFRED data by series, source, release, category, and other query options, and an API key is required. Those mechanics do not grant rights reserved by the original provider. If your application makes the API available to other users, the API terms require you to link to those terms and tell users that their use of the application binds them to them.
Separate FRED service and API restrictions
Even when a series label permits a particular commercial use, the broader rules still apply. FRED’s service and API terms address restrictions including:
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Using FRED’s name or materials in a way that implies FRED endorses your product.
- Claiming the whole FRED data or service experience as a unique product.
- Disruptive mining, scraping, mirroring, or extraction.
- Unauthorized storage, caching, archiving, or wholesale downloads.
- Use of the API in connection with developing or training software or machine-learning systems, including generative AI.
The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis highlighted AI-related and wholesale-download provisions in a June 2024 notice about changes to the API terms. For a current product decision, read the complete terms rather than relying on a summary: the detailed rules and any updates determine whether a particular implementation is allowed.
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- List every series your product will use, including whether it retrieves data live or stores it for later delivery.
- Record each series’ label, notes, and original provider. Follow the series’ suggested citation and identify both FRED and the original source.
- Map each use. Distinguish internal analysis from client-facing display, redistribution, caching, bulk extraction, and software or AI development.
- Get permission when the label requires it. For third-party data, ask the original provider; FRED cannot authorize use on that provider’s behalf.
- Check the current service and API terms against your product design, and include the terms link and notice if your application is for other users.
FRED describes its catalog as containing more than 800,000 economic data series from over 100 sources. That breadth is useful, but it is not blanket permission to reuse every series commercially.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
