Monthly

MASDTT03TRM189N • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

346,995,000,000.00

Year-over-Year Change

13.22%

Date Range

1/1/1992 - 12/1/2013

Summary

The Monthly Retail Trade Survey (MRTS) tracks monthly sales and inventory data for U.S. retailers, providing insights into consumer spending patterns and economic trends.

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 MRTS collects data on the dollar value of sales and the end-of-month inventories of a sample of U.S. retail and food service firms. This information is used to monitor the health of the retail sector and assess the strength of consumer demand.

Methodology

The U.S. Census Bureau conducts the MRTS through a monthly survey of a representative sample of retail and food service businesses.

Historical Context

Policymakers and economists closely follow MRTS data to gauge consumer confidence and predict economic growth.

Key Facts

  • MRTS data covers approximately 5,500 retail and food service firms.
  • The retail sector accounts for nearly 30% of U.S. gross domestic product.
  • MRTS data is released around the 15th of each month for the previous month.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The Monthly Retail Trade Survey (MRTS) measures the dollar value of monthly sales and end-of-month inventories for U.S. retail and food service businesses.

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

A: MRTS data provides timely insights into consumer spending patterns, which is a key indicator of overall economic health and a crucial input for policymakers and market analysts.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The U.S. Census Bureau conducts the MRTS through a monthly survey of a representative sample of retail and food service businesses.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Policymakers and economists closely follow MRTS data to gauge consumer confidence and predict economic growth, which informs monetary and fiscal policy decisions.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: MRTS data is released around the 15th of each month for the previous month, with a small time lag before the full data set is available.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Monthly Retail Trade Survey (MASDTT03TRM189N), retrieved from FRED.