Quarterly, Seasonally Adjusted

BPBLIN01RUQ637S • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

-16,605,170,000.00

Year-over-Year Change

100.33%

Date Range

1/1/1994 - 4/1/2012

Summary

This economic indicator measures quarterly, seasonally adjusted business inventories in the U.S. retail sector. It provides insight into the balance between supply and demand, which is crucial for policymakers and analysts monitoring economic conditions.

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

The Quarterly, Seasonally Adjusted Business Inventories in the Retail Sector metric tracks the total value of merchandise held in inventory by U.S. retail establishments. It is a key indicator of economic activity, as changes in inventory levels reflect shifts in consumer demand and production.

Methodology

The data is collected through monthly surveys of U.S. retail businesses and adjusted for seasonal variations.

Historical Context

This trend is closely watched by policymakers, economists, and market analysts to assess the health of the broader economy.

Key Facts

  • Retail inventories comprise a significant portion of total U.S. business inventories.
  • Rising inventory levels can signal slowing consumer demand or oversupply.
  • Quarterly retail inventory data is a leading indicator of economic trends.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This metric tracks the total value of merchandise held in inventory by U.S. retail establishments on a quarterly, seasonally adjusted basis.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: Changes in retail inventory levels provide important insights into the balance between supply and demand, which is crucial for monitoring economic conditions and forecasting future activity.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of U.S. retail businesses and adjusted for seasonal variations.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Retail inventory data is closely watched by policymakers, economists, and market analysts to assess the health of the broader economy and inform policy decisions.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The quarterly retail inventory data is typically published with a 1-2 month lag, which can limit its timeliness for real-time analysis.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Quarterly, Seasonally Adjusted Business Inventories in Retail Sector (BPBLIN01RUQ637S), retrieved from FRED.