Quarterly Financial Report: U.S. Corporations: Wholesale Trade, Durable Goods: Retained Earnings at End of Quarter
QFRD123421USNO • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
306,439.00
Year-over-Year Change
29.84%
Date Range
10/1/2000 - 4/1/2025
Summary
This economic indicator tracks retained earnings for wholesale trade and durable goods corporations at the end of each quarter. It provides critical insight into corporate financial health and reinvestment strategies across key U.S. industrial 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
Retained earnings represent the cumulative net income that corporations choose to reinvest rather than distribute as dividends, reflecting strategic financial decision-making. Economists analyze this metric to understand corporate investment patterns, financial resilience, and potential future economic growth.
Methodology
Data is collected through comprehensive quarterly financial surveys of U.S. corporations in wholesale trade and durable goods sectors, compiled and verified by federal economic research agencies.
Historical Context
This trend is used by policymakers, investors, and economic analysts to assess corporate financial strategies, potential capital expenditures, and broader economic investment trends.
Key Facts
- Reflects corporate financial strategy and reinvestment potential
- Provides insight into sector-specific economic health
- Indicates potential future capital expenditures and growth
FAQs
Q: What do retained earnings indicate about a company's financial health?
A: Retained earnings suggest a company's ability to generate profit and reinvest in future growth. Higher retained earnings typically indicate stronger financial performance and strategic investment potential.
Q: How do retained earnings differ in wholesale trade versus other sectors?
A: Wholesale trade and durable goods sectors may have unique retained earnings patterns due to inventory management, capital equipment needs, and market-specific investment strategies.
Q: How frequently is this data updated?
A: This economic indicator is typically updated quarterly, providing a consistent snapshot of corporate financial trends in wholesale trade and durable goods sectors.
Q: Why do economists consider retained earnings important?
A: Retained earnings offer insights into corporate confidence, potential future investments, and overall economic momentum across critical industrial sectors.
Q: What are the limitations of this economic indicator?
A: The data represents a specific subset of corporations and may not capture the entire economic landscape. It should be analyzed alongside other economic indicators for comprehensive insights.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Quarterly Financial Report: U.S. Corporations: Wholesale Trade, Durable Goods: Retained Earnings at End of Quarter [QFRD123421USNO], retrieved from FRED.
Last Checked: 8/1/2025