Federal Budget Surplus or Deficit for the United States
Millions of Dollars, Monthly, Not Seasonally Adjusted
M1525DUSM144NNBR • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
902.80
Year-over-Year Change
-187.31%
Date Range
7/1/1939 - 6/1/1947
Summary
This economic trend measures the total dollar value of U.S. retail sales on a monthly basis, providing insights into consumer spending and economic activity.
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 Millions of Dollars, Monthly, Not Seasonally Adjusted series tracks the nominal dollar value of retail and food service sales in the United States. This metric is a key indicator of consumer demand and the overall health of the economy.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of a sample of retail and food service firms.
Historical Context
Policymakers and analysts use this trend to assess the strength of consumer spending and make informed decisions.
Key Facts
- Retail sales account for about 70% of U.S. economic activity.
- Consumer spending has historically driven economic growth in the U.S.
- Nominal retail sales reached a record high of $684 billion in June 2022.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the total dollar value of retail and food service sales in the United States on a monthly basis, providing insights into consumer spending and the overall health of the economy.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: Retail sales are a key indicator of consumer demand and economic activity, making this trend highly relevant for policymakers, economists, and investors seeking to understand the strength of the U.S. economy.
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 across the United States.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers, such as the Federal Reserve, closely monitor retail sales data to assess the strength of consumer spending and make informed decisions about monetary policy and economic interventions.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The retail sales data is released by the U.S. Census Bureau approximately 15 days after the end of each month, with a small margin of error due to the sampling methodology.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Millions of Dollars, Monthly, Not Seasonally Adjusted (M1525DUSM144NNBR), retrieved from FRED.