Preliminary Data / Provisional Data

Categories: Economics,

Some statistical agencies use the term Preliminary data to describe the first released version of a series and provisional data to describe subsequent versions prior to final amendment. However, the two terms are often used interchangeably though users in general should have no great problem in understanding that data labelled either preliminary or provisional are subject to revision provided this is clearly highlighted by the agency in the release. Clearly informing the use that the data is subject to revision is more important than the precise term used to describe such data.