Quarterly Financial Report: U.S. Corporations: All Retail Trade: Retained Earnings at Beginning of Quarter
QFRD119RETUSNO • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
815,882.00
Year-over-Year Change
26.80%
Date Range
10/1/2000 - 1/1/2025
Summary
This economic indicator tracks the retained earnings of all retail trade corporations at the beginning of each quarter, providing insight into the financial health and reinvestment capacity of the retail sector. It serves as a key metric for understanding corporate financial strategies and potential future investment or expansion.
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 reinvest rather than distribute to shareholders as dividends. Economists and financial analysts use this metric to assess corporate financial strength, investment potential, and overall sector performance.
Methodology
The data is collected through comprehensive financial reporting by retail corporations, aggregated and analyzed by federal economic research institutions.
Historical Context
This trend is crucial for understanding corporate financial strategies, investment potential, and overall economic health in the retail trade sector.
Key Facts
- Represents the cumulative net income retained by retail corporations
- Provides insight into corporate financial reinvestment strategies
- Serves as an indicator of sector-wide financial health
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 growth, and maintain financial stability without external financing.
Q: How often is this data updated?
A: The data is typically updated quarterly, providing a regular snapshot of the retail sector's financial performance.
Q: Why are retained earnings important for investors?
A: Retained earnings demonstrate a company's potential for future growth, reinvestment, and long-term financial strategy.
Q: How do retained earnings impact economic analysis?
A: They provide crucial insights into corporate financial strategies, sector performance, and potential economic investment trends.
Q: What are the limitations of this financial metric?
A: While informative, retained earnings alone cannot fully represent a company's or sector's complete financial picture and should be analyzed alongside other financial indicators.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Quarterly Financial Report: U.S. Corporations: All Retail Trade: Retained Earnings at Beginning of Quarter [QFRD119RETUSNO], retrieved from FRED.
Last Checked: 8/1/2025