Percent Change from Preceding Period, Seasonally Adjusted
This dataset tracks percent change from preceding period, seasonally adjusted over time.
Latest Value
1.30
Year-over-Year Change
160.00%
Date Range
2/1/1992 - 6/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend measures the month-over-month percent change in retail and food services sales, adjusted for seasonal variations. It provides a timely indicator of consumer spending patterns and broader 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
The Percent Change from Preceding Period, Seasonally Adjusted metric tracks the monthly change in total sales at retail and food service establishments across the United States. This key indicator offers insights into the strength and trajectory of consumer demand, a critical driver of economic growth.
Methodology
The U.S. Census Bureau collects data on retail and food service sales through surveys of a sample of businesses.
Historical Context
Policymakers and analysts closely monitor this metric to gauge the health of the consumer sector and inform economic forecasting and policy decisions.
Key Facts
- Retail and food services sales account for nearly 50% of total consumer spending in the U.S.
- Consumer spending makes up over two-thirds of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP).
- This metric is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This indicator tracks the month-over-month percent change in total retail and food service sales across the United States, adjusted for seasonal variations.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: Consumer spending is a critical driver of economic growth, and this metric provides a timely signal of consumer demand patterns that informs economic forecasting and policy decisions.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The U.S. Census Bureau collects data on retail and food service sales through surveys of a sample of businesses.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and analysts closely monitor this metric to gauge the health of the consumer sector and inform economic forecasting and policy decisions.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: This metric is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau, with a typical lag of around two weeks from the end of the reference period.
Related News
U.S. Trade Deficit Decreases As Businesses Anticipate Tariff Hikes
U.S. Trade Deficit Reaches Two-Year Low Amid Anticipated Tariff Hikes The recent announcement that the U.S. trade deficit has reached a two-year low signals significant developments for the national economy. This change may, in part, be influenced by the anticipation of tariff hikes, which are affecting trade patterns. As this event unfolds, it has implications for the U.S. GDP, underscoring the importance of reducing the trade deficit. Trade tensions have long shaped the global economic landsc
US Stock Markets Decline Amid Labor Market Concerns, Cooling AI Frenzy
US Stock Market Declines Amid AI Frenzy and Labor Market Concerns The US stock market has recently experienced notable declines, with major indices such as the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq experiencing significant losses. This turmoil can be partly attributed to the AI frenzy, a period of intense excitement around advancements in artificial intelligence, which initially propelled tech stocks to new heights. However, as the fervor surrounding AI growth began to cool, the markets experienced a
Federal Reserve rate cuts forecast and S&P 500 market reaction
How Federal Reserve Rate Cuts Shape the Economic Landscape The Federal Reserve's decisions impact the financial environment in various ways, often triggering shifts that ripple throughout the economy. The act of altering the effective federal funds rate influences a broad spectrum of financial metrics, including the S&P 500. Notably, these changes have repercussions for market volatility, investor confidence, and the broader economic outlook. Understanding these connections helps place today's
S&P 500 Target Increases Amid Ongoing AI Growth in the US
AI Growth Drives S&P 500 Target Increases AI technology is playing a significant role in propelling S&P 500 target increases, reshaping the United States stock exchange. As Wall Street analysts tune their investment strategies in response to these changes, the S&P 500's rise serves as a mirror reflecting wider economic trends. The increasing targets have brought a new focus to stock market predictions and AI investment, altering the ways both investors and analysts approach the financial landsc
US Treasury yields mixed before expected Federal Reserve rate cut
Understanding Mixed Treasury Yields Ahead of the Anticipated Fed Rate Cut Navigating the complex world of Treasury yields can seem like unraveling a mystery. In the unpredictable arena of mixed yields, understanding their shifts becomes especially crucial. Treasury yields offer a glimpse into Wall Street's trust in the economic outlook. They're shaped by various factors, such as the Federal Reserve's interest rate changes and the broader economic landscape. Right now, investors are watching clo
S&P 500 hits record as U.S. producer prices fall
S&P 500 Reaches Record High as U.S. Producer Prices Decline The S&P 500 reaching a record high suggests a notable moment in market history, particularly as the U.S. Producer Price Index (PPI) shows a downward trend. The link between the stock markets and producer prices demonstrates how interconnected these financial indicators can be. Falling PPI numbers might seem positive, yet they can signal underlying market changes. These shifts invite investors to recalibrate their approaches in response
Related Trends
Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average
CPIAUCNS
Capacity Utilization: Total Index
TCU
Commercial and Industrial Loans, All Commercial Banks
TOTCI
Share of Foreign Born in Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOLC) Neighborhood A
RLMSHFBHOLCNA
Home Ownership Rate in Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOLC) Neighborhood C
RLMSHHORHOLCNC
Share of Foreign Born in Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOLC) Neighborhood C
RLMSHFBHOLCNC
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Percent Change from Preceding Period, Seasonally Adjusted (MRTSMPCSM444USS), retrieved from FRED.