Retail Sales: Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers
Percent Change from Preceding Period, Not Seasonally Adjusted
MRTSMPCSM441USN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
-6.70
Year-over-Year Change
-32.32%
Date Range
2/1/1992 - 6/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend measures the percent change in retail sales of sporting goods, hobby, musical instrument, and book stores in the United States, without seasonal adjustment. It provides insights into consumer spending behavior in this key retail sector.
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 'Percent Change from Preceding Period, Not Seasonally Adjusted' metric tracks the month-over-month change in retail sales for sporting goods, hobby, musical instrument, and book stores. This data point is a key indicator of consumer demand and economic activity in the recreation and leisure market.
Methodology
The U.S. Census Bureau collects retail sales data through surveys of businesses to calculate this non-seasonally adjusted percent change metric.
Historical Context
Economists and policymakers monitor this trend to gauge consumer confidence and discretionary spending patterns.
Key Facts
- The data is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau.
- Sporting goods and hobby stores account for over 40% of this retail sector.
- Percent changes can vary significantly from month to month in this category.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This metric tracks the month-over-month percent change in retail sales for sporting goods, hobby, musical instrument, and book stores in the United States, without seasonal adjustment.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This data provides insights into consumer spending behavior and demand in the recreation and leisure retail market, which is an important indicator of overall economic activity.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The U.S. Census Bureau collects retail sales data through surveys of businesses to calculate this non-seasonally adjusted percent change metric.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Economists and policymakers monitor this trend to gauge consumer confidence and discretionary spending patterns, which can inform decisions around fiscal and monetary policy.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau, but may have a lag of several weeks from the end of the reference period.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Percent Change from Preceding Period, Not Seasonally Adjusted (MRTSMPCSM441USN), retrieved from FRED.