Percent Change from Preceding Period, Not Seasonally Adjusted
This dataset tracks percent change from preceding period, not seasonally adjusted over time.
Latest Value
-4.20
Year-over-Year Change
147.06%
Date Range
2/1/1992 - 7/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend measures the month-over-month percent change in U.S. retail and food services sales, without seasonal adjustments. It provides 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 'Percent Change from Preceding Period, Not Seasonally Adjusted' metric tracks the growth or decline in retail sales between consecutive months, based on raw (unadjusted) data. This offers a perspective on underlying consumer demand trends that is valuable for economists and policymakers.
Methodology
The U.S. Census Bureau collects and calculates this data through monthly surveys of retail and food service businesses.
Historical Context
This unadjusted retail sales metric is used to analyze consumer confidence and can inform monetary and fiscal policy decisions.
Key Facts
- Retail sales account for about 40% of total consumer spending in the U.S.
- The metric excludes auto and gasoline sales, focusing on other retail categories.
- Unadjusted data can be more volatile than seasonally adjusted figures.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This metric measures the month-over-month percent change in U.S. retail and food services sales, without any seasonal adjustments.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: The unadjusted retail sales data provides insights into underlying consumer demand trends, which is valuable for economists and policymakers.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The U.S. Census Bureau collects this data through monthly surveys of retail and food service businesses.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: This unadjusted retail sales metric is used to analyze consumer confidence and can inform monetary and fiscal policy decisions.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is subject to revisions and may have greater volatility compared to seasonally adjusted figures.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Percent Change from Preceding Period, Not Seasonally Adjusted (MARTSMPCSM453USN), retrieved from FRED.