Retail Inventories/Sales Ratio: Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers
This dataset tracks retail inventories/sales ratio: motor vehicle and parts dealers over time.
Latest Value
1.88
Year-over-Year Change
-2.08%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 5/1/2025
Summary
The Retail Inventories/Sales Ratio for Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers tracks the relationship between inventory levels and sales in this key economic sector. This indicator provides insights into supply chain dynamics 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
The Retail Inventories/Sales Ratio measures the ratio of retail inventories to retail sales for motor vehicle and parts dealers. It serves as an important signal of inventory imbalances and helps analysts assess the health of auto industry supply chains and consumer spending patterns.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail establishments by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Policymakers and market analysts closely monitor this ratio to gauge the strength of consumer demand and inventory management in the auto industry.
Key Facts
- The ratio typically ranges between 1.3 and 1.7.
- Higher ratios indicate excess inventories, while lower ratios signal tight supplies.
- The ratio spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic due to supply chain disruptions.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Retail Inventories/Sales Ratio for Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers measures the relationship between inventory levels and sales in the auto industry.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This ratio provides insights into supply chain dynamics and consumer demand, which are crucial for assessing the health of the auto industry and the broader economy.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail establishments by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and market analysts closely monitor this ratio to gauge the strength of consumer demand and inventory management in the auto industry, which has significant implications for economic growth and policy decisions.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released on a monthly basis, with a typical 2-3 week delay from the reference period.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Retail Inventories/Sales Ratio: Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers (MRTSIR441USS), retrieved from FRED.