Percent Change from Preceding Period, Seasonally Adjusted
This dataset tracks percent change from preceding period, seasonally adjusted over time.
Latest Value
-0.20
Year-over-Year Change
-300.00%
Date Range
2/1/1992 - 2/1/2025
Summary
The Percent Change from Preceding Period, Seasonally Adjusted metric tracks monthly changes in retail sales, providing crucial insights into consumer spending and economic activity.
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 measures the month-over-month percent change in retail sales, with seasonal adjustments to account for predictable fluctuations. It is a widely followed gauge of consumer demand and a key input for analyzing the health of the broader economy.
Methodology
The data is collected through surveys of retail and food service firms and calculated as the percent change from the previous month's seasonally adjusted sales figures.
Historical Context
Policymakers and analysts closely monitor this metric to assess the strength of consumer spending, a major driver of economic growth.
Key Facts
- Retail sales account for about 40% of total consumer spending in the U.S.
- The data is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau.
- Consumer spending makes up over two-thirds of U.S. economic activity.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Percent Change from Preceding Period, Seasonally Adjusted metric tracks the monthly percent change in retail sales, providing insights into consumer spending patterns.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This indicator is a crucial gauge of consumer demand and a key input for assessing the health of the broader economy, as consumer spending accounts for a large portion of U.S. economic activity.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through surveys of retail and food service firms and calculated as the percent change from the previous month's seasonally adjusted sales figures.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and analysts closely monitor this metric to evaluate the strength of consumer spending, which is a major driver of economic growth, and inform policy decisions.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau, with a typical lag of around two weeks from the end of the reference period.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Percent Change from Preceding Period, Seasonally Adjusted (MRTSMPCIM4521EUSS), retrieved from FRED.