Millions of Dollars, Annual Rate, Not Seasonally Adjusted
This dataset tracks millions of dollars, annual rate, not seasonally adjusted over time.
Latest Value
3456.00
Year-over-Year Change
-125.28%
Date Range
7/1/1970 - 5/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend measures retail trade and food services sales in the United States, reported in millions of dollars at an annual rate on a not seasonally adjusted basis.
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 retail trade and food services sales data provides a comprehensive overview of consumer spending patterns in the U.S. economy. It is a key indicator used by economists and policymakers to gauge the health and trajectory of the broader economy.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of a sample of retail and food service firms.
Historical Context
This trend is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve and other economic analysts to inform monetary policy decisions and market forecasts.
Key Facts
- Retail and food services sales account for nearly 30% of total U.S. economic activity.
- Sales peaked at $1.84 trillion in March 2022 before declining slightly.
- The data is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the total dollar value of retail and food services sales in the United States, reported at an annual rate on a not seasonally adjusted basis.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: Retail and food services sales are a crucial indicator of consumer demand and the overall health of the U.S. economy. This data is closely monitored by economists, policymakers, and investors to inform economic forecasts and policy decisions.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of a sample of retail and food service firms conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: The Federal Reserve and other economic analysts use this data to assess consumer spending patterns and the broader state of the economy, which informs monetary policy decisions and market forecasts.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released monthly with a typical delay of around 2-3 weeks. There may be revisions to previous months' figures as more complete data becomes available.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Millions of Dollars, Annual Rate, Not Seasonally Adjusted (DTRTXDFBANA), retrieved from FRED.