Retail Inventories/Sales Ratio: Retail Trade, Excluding Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers
This dataset tracks retail inventories/sales ratio: retail trade, excluding motor vehicle and parts dealers over time.
Latest Value
1.15
Year-over-Year Change
1.77%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 5/1/2025
Summary
The Retail Inventories/Sales Ratio measures the relationship between retail inventories and retail sales, excluding motor vehicle and parts dealers. It provides insights into inventory management and consumer demand.
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
This economic indicator tracks the ratio of retail inventories to retail sales for the retail trade sector, excluding motor vehicle and parts dealers. It is used by economists and policymakers to assess the health of the retail industry and consumer spending patterns.
Methodology
The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Census Bureau based on monthly surveys of retail businesses.
Historical Context
The Retail Inventories/Sales Ratio is closely watched by the Federal Reserve and other economic analysts as an indicator of consumer confidence and future economic activity.
Key Facts
- The ratio typically ranges between 1.2 and 1.5.
- A higher ratio indicates slower sales relative to inventories.
- The ratio fell sharply during the 2008-2009 recession.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Retail Inventories/Sales Ratio measures the relationship between retail inventories and retail sales, excluding motor vehicle and parts dealers.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This indicator provides insights into inventory management and consumer demand, which are key factors in assessing the health of the retail industry and the broader economy.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Census Bureau based on monthly surveys of retail businesses.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: The Retail Inventories/Sales Ratio is closely watched by the Federal Reserve and other economic analysts as an indicator of consumer confidence and future economic activity.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is published monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau with a typical delay of around one month.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Retail Inventories/Sales Ratio: Retail Trade, Excluding Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers (MRTSIR4400AUSS), retrieved from FRED.