Quarterly Financial Report: U.S. Corporations: Basic Chemicals, Resins, and Synthetics: Retained Earnings at Beginning of Quarter

QFRD119375USNO • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

89,146.00

Year-over-Year Change

7.48%

Date Range

10/1/2000 - 1/1/2025

Summary

This economic indicator tracks the retained earnings of U.S. corporations in the basic chemicals, resins, and synthetics sector at the beginning of each quarter. It provides insight into the financial health and reinvestment potential 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 company chooses to keep rather than distribute as dividends, reflecting corporate financial strategy and potential for future investment. Economists use this metric to assess corporate profitability, reinvestment capacity, and overall sectoral economic performance.

Methodology

Data is collected through comprehensive quarterly financial surveys of U.S. corporations in the basic chemicals, resins, and synthetics industry, compiled by government economic research agencies.

Historical Context

This trend is used by policymakers, investors, and economic analysts to understand industrial sector financial dynamics, investment trends, and potential economic growth indicators.

Key Facts

  • Represents financial reserves for corporations in the basic chemicals sector
  • Indicates potential for future investment and corporate expansion
  • Provides insights into sectoral economic health and reinvestment strategies

FAQs

Q: What do retained earnings indicate about a company's financial health?

A: Retained earnings show how much profit a company has accumulated and chosen to reinvest rather than distribute as dividends, reflecting financial strength and growth potential.

Q: Why are retained earnings important for the chemical industry?

A: In the chemical sector, retained earnings can signal capacity for research and development, capital investments, and technological innovation.

Q: How frequently is this data updated?

A: This economic indicator is typically updated quarterly, providing a regular snapshot of corporate financial performance in the basic chemicals sector.

Q: How do investors use retained earnings data?

A: Investors analyze retained earnings to assess a company's financial strategy, growth potential, and ability to fund future expansion without external financing.

Q: What are the limitations of this economic indicator?

A: While informative, retained earnings represent just one aspect of corporate financial health and should be considered alongside other financial metrics and broader economic indicators.

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Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Quarterly Financial Report: U.S. Corporations: Basic Chemicals, Resins, and Synthetics: Retained Earnings at Beginning of Quarter [QFRD119375USNO], retrieved from FRED.

Last Checked: 8/1/2025