Quarterly Financial Report: U.S. Corporations: Iron, Steel, and Ferroalloys: Retained Earnings at Beginning of Quarter
QFRD119371USNO • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
79,486.00
Year-over-Year Change
99.08%
Date Range
10/1/2000 - 1/1/2025
Summary
This economic indicator tracks the retained earnings of U.S. corporations in the iron, steel, and ferroalloys sector at the beginning of each quarter. It provides insight into the financial health and reinvestment capacity of a critical manufacturing segment.
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
Retained earnings represent the cumulative net income that a corporation chooses to keep rather than distribute as dividends, reflecting the company's financial strategy and potential for future investment. Economists use this metric to assess the sector's financial resilience, reinvestment potential, and overall economic performance.
Methodology
Data is collected through comprehensive financial reporting by corporations in the iron, steel, and ferroalloys industry, compiled and verified by government economic research agencies.
Historical Context
This indicator is used by policymakers, investors, and economic analysts to understand industrial sector financial trends, investment capacity, and potential economic growth signals.
Key Facts
- Represents financial reserves in the iron and steel manufacturing sector
- Indicates potential for future capital investment and business expansion
- Provides insights into corporate financial strategy and economic resilience
FAQs
Q: What do retained earnings indicate about a company's financial health?
A: Retained earnings suggest a company's ability to reinvest profits, fund future growth, and maintain financial stability without external borrowing.
Q: How often is this data updated?
A: The data is typically updated quarterly, providing a consistent snapshot of the sector's financial performance.
Q: Why are retained earnings important for the steel industry?
A: In capital-intensive industries like steel, retained earnings are crucial for funding technological upgrades, expanding production capacity, and maintaining competitiveness.
Q: How do policymakers use this information?
A: Policymakers analyze retained earnings to understand industrial sector health, potential job creation, and economic investment trends.
Q: What are the limitations of this economic indicator?
A: While informative, retained earnings represent just one aspect of financial performance and should be considered alongside other economic metrics.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Quarterly Financial Report: U.S. Corporations: Iron, Steel, and Ferroalloys: Retained Earnings at Beginning of Quarter [QFRD119371USNO], retrieved from FRED.
Last Checked: 8/1/2025