Retail Sales: Building Materials and Supplies Dealers
MRTSSM4441USS • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
34,425.00
Year-over-Year Change
-1.62%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 5/1/2025
Summary
The Retail Sales: Building Materials and Supplies Dealers trend measures monthly sales at establishments that sell building materials and supplies. This data provides insight into consumer demand and activity in the construction and home improvement sectors.
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 retail sales series tracks the nominal dollar value of sales at establishments primarily engaged in retailing new building materials, home improvement materials, lawn and garden equipment and supplies, and hardware. The data is a key economic indicator for monitoring the health of the construction and housing markets.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of a sample of retail businesses.
Historical Context
Retail sales for building materials and supplies are closely watched by policymakers, analysts, and investors as a barometer of consumer confidence and economic conditions.
Key Facts
- Sales at building materials stores account for over 10% of total retail trade.
- Building materials sales tend to be sensitive to interest rates and housing market trends.
- The series has been published monthly since 1992.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the monthly sales at establishments that sell building materials and supplies, providing insight into consumer demand in the construction and home improvement sectors.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: Retail sales for building materials are a key economic indicator used by policymakers, analysts, and investors to monitor the health of the construction and housing markets.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of a sample of retail businesses.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Building materials sales are closely watched as a barometer of consumer confidence and economic conditions, informing policy decisions and market analysis.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The series is published monthly with no significant update delays.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Retail Sales: Building Materials and Supplies Dealers (MRTSSM4441USS), retrieved from FRED.