Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade and Food Services, Excluding Gasoline Stations
This dataset tracks advance retail sales: retail trade and food services, excluding gasoline stations over time.
Latest Value
675066.00
Year-over-Year Change
4.47%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 7/1/2025
Summary
This economic indicator measures monthly changes in retail sales, excluding sales at gasoline stations, providing insights into consumer spending behavior and the overall health of the retail sector.
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 Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade and Food Services, Excluding Gasoline Stations trend is a key economic indicator that tracks the month-over-month change in sales at retail and food service establishments, excluding sales at gasoline stations. It serves as a barometer for consumer demand and sentiment.
Methodology
The data is collected through a monthly survey of a sample of retail and food service firms.
Historical Context
This metric is closely monitored by policymakers, economists, and market analysts to assess the strength of the consumer economy.
Key Facts
- Retail sales account for nearly 70% of U.S. economic activity.
- Excluding gasoline stations provides a clearer picture of core consumer demand.
- The report is released monthly, around 15 days after the end of the reference month.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This indicator measures the monthly change in retail sales, excluding sales at gasoline stations, providing insights into consumer spending behavior and the overall health of the retail sector.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This metric is closely watched by policymakers, economists, and market analysts as a barometer for consumer demand and sentiment, which is a key driver of economic growth.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through a monthly survey of a sample of retail and food service firms.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and analysts use this indicator to assess the strength of the consumer economy and inform decisions related to monetary and fiscal policy.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The report is released monthly, around 15 days after the end of the reference month, providing timely data on consumer spending patterns.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade and Food Services, Excluding Gasoline Stations (MARTSSM44Z72USS), retrieved from FRED.