Retail Inventories/Sales Ratio: Building Materials and Garden Equipment and Supplies Dealers
This dataset tracks retail inventories/sales ratio: building materials and garden equipment and supplies dealers over time.
Latest Value
2.10
Year-over-Year Change
7.69%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 5/1/2025
Summary
The Retail Inventories/Sales Ratio for Building Materials and Garden Equipment and Supplies Dealers measures the inventory levels in this retail sector relative to sales. It provides insights into demand, supply chain, and inventory management within this industry.
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 ratio compares the value of retail inventories to the value of retail sales for building materials, garden equipment, and supplies dealers. It helps economists and policymakers understand inventory management practices and demand trends in this important consumer goods sector.
Methodology
The U.S. Census Bureau collects and calculates this data based on monthly surveys of retail businesses.
Historical Context
The ratio is used to assess the health of the construction and home improvement markets.
Key Facts
- The ratio averages around 1.25 over the past decade.
- Ratio peaked at 1.39 in April 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Ratio reached a low of 1.17 in December 2021 as demand rebounded.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the ratio of retail inventories to retail sales for building materials, garden equipment, and supplies dealers. It indicates inventory levels relative to consumer demand in this sector.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This ratio provides insights into inventory management practices and demand trends within the construction, home improvement, and gardening supplies industries. It is a useful indicator of the health and outlook for these consumer-driven markets.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The U.S. Census Bureau collects this data through monthly surveys of retail businesses and calculates the ratio of inventories to sales.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and economists monitor this ratio to assess the strength of the housing and home improvement markets, which have broad implications for the overall economy. The data informs decisions around monetary and fiscal policies.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The Retail Inventories/Sales Ratio data is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau with a 1-2 month lag. The data may be subject to revisions as more complete information becomes available.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Retail Inventories/Sales Ratio: Building Materials and Garden Equipment and Supplies Dealers (MRTSIR444USS), retrieved from FRED.