Advance Retail Inventories: Retail (Excluding Food Services)
This dataset tracks advance retail inventories: retail (excluding food services) over time.
Latest Value
808740.00
Year-over-Year Change
0.26%
Date Range
5/1/2025 - 6/1/2025
Summary
The Advance Retail Inventories: Retail (Excluding Food Services) trend measures the monthly change in inventory levels for the retail sector, excluding food services. This metric is a key indicator of economic activity and consumer demand.
Analysis & Context
This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.
Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.
About This Dataset
This economic indicator tracks the month-over-month changes in the total value of merchandise held in inventory by U.S. retail businesses, excluding food services. It provides insights into retailers' ability to meet consumer demand and can signal future production and sales trends.
Methodology
The data is collected through a monthly survey of a sample of retail businesses.
Historical Context
Policymakers and analysts use this metric to gauge the health of the retail sector and broader economy.
Key Facts
- Retail inventories account for over $2 trillion in total U.S. economic output.
- Inventory levels can signal future production and sales trends.
- The data is released monthly, approximately 15 days after the end of the reference period.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Advance Retail Inventories: Retail (Excluding Food Services) tracks the monthly change in inventory levels for the retail sector, excluding food services.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This metric provides insights into retailers' ability to meet consumer demand and can signal future production and sales trends, making it a key indicator of economic activity.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through a monthly survey of a sample of retail businesses.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and analysts use this metric to gauge the health of the retail sector and broader economy.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released monthly, approximately 15 days after the end of the reference period.
Related News
U.S. Economy Weak in August, Retail Sales Show Potential Resilience
Resilient Retail: Analyzing August’s Economic Trends in U.S. Retail Sales Recent trends in U.S. retail sales offer an intriguing glimpse into economic resilience amidst the challenges of August. The retail sector demonstrated its strength, even as broader economic indicators painted a less optimistic picture. In August, consumer spending and the retail sector were noteworthy, providing insights into economic resilience and offering a beacon of optimism. This anomaly invites a closer look into c
US Stock Markets Decline Amid Labor Market Concerns, Cooling AI Frenzy
US Stock Market Declines Amid AI Frenzy and Labor Market Concerns The US stock market has recently experienced notable declines, with major indices such as the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq experiencing significant losses. This turmoil can be partly attributed to the AI frenzy, a period of intense excitement around advancements in artificial intelligence, which initially propelled tech stocks to new heights. However, as the fervor surrounding AI growth began to cool, the markets experienced a
U.S. Stock Futures Stagnant Despite Positive Jobless Claims and GDP
Why US Stock Futures Remain Stagnant Despite Positive Economic Indicators The current investment landscape is puzzling for many as US stock futures struggle to show a definite trend despite favorable economic signals. These signals, such as jobless claims and Q2 GDP figures, suggest a healthy economy. Given the roles of the stock market and the Federal Reserve's decisions on rate hikes, it is surprising to witness this stagnation. Inflation trends and the Fed's signals about future policies pla
U.S. Home Sales Decline In August Due To High Prices
August 2023 U.S. Home Sales Decline Amid Rising Mortgage Rates and High Prices In August 2023, U.S. home sales experienced a notable decline, highlighting a distressing trend in the housing market. Homeownership is more costly these days. High home prices and soaring 30 year mortgage rates, combined with limited housing inventory, pose significant challenges for potential buyers and cast a shadow on economic recovery efforts. Many potential homebuyers find themselves increasingly priced out of
U.S. jobless claims decline to lowest level since mid-July
U.S. Jobless Claims Drop: A Positive Sign for Economic Growth The U.S. economy is signaling a positive turn as the initial jobless claims have dropped to their lowest level since mid-July, suggesting a more resilient labor market. This decline in jobless claims is not just a number; it reflects crucial dynamics in the U.S. economy and employment landscape. As people file fewer claims for unemployment benefits, it suggests a strengthening employment market and a recovering economy. Also, the cur
U.S. Trade Deficit Decreases As Businesses Anticipate Tariff Hikes
U.S. Trade Deficit Reaches Two-Year Low Amid Anticipated Tariff Hikes The recent announcement that the U.S. trade deficit has reached a two-year low signals significant developments for the national economy. This change may, in part, be influenced by the anticipation of tariff hikes, which are affecting trade patterns. As this event unfolds, it has implications for the U.S. GDP, underscoring the importance of reducing the trade deficit. Trade tensions have long shaped the global economic landsc
Related Trends
Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average
CPIAUCNS
Capacity Utilization: Total Index
TCU
Commercial and Industrial Loans, All Commercial Banks
TOTCI
Share of Foreign Born in Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOLC) Neighborhood A
RLMSHFBHOLCNA
Home Ownership Rate in Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOLC) Neighborhood C
RLMSHHORHOLCNC
Share of Foreign Born in Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOLC) Neighborhood C
RLMSHFBHOLCNC
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Advance Retail Inventories: Retail (Excluding Food Services) (ARINVTS), retrieved from FRED.