Total Revenue for Selected Services Total, All Establishments

Percent Change, Seasonally Adjusted

REV000000APSA • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

2.20

Year-over-Year Change

-8.33%

Date Range

4/1/2013 - 4/1/2025

Summary

The 'Percent Change, Seasonally Adjusted' trend measures the month-over-month percentage change in retail sales, providing insight into consumer spending patterns.

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 economic indicator tracks changes in the total value of retail and food services sales, offering a real-time window into consumer demand and confidence. It is a widely followed metric for evaluating the health of the broader economy.

Methodology

The U.S. Census Bureau collects and aggregates data from a sample of retail and food services businesses to calculate this monthly statistic.

Historical Context

Economists and policymakers closely monitor retail sales as a leading indicator of economic growth and consumer sentiment.

Key Facts

  • Retail sales account for nearly 70% of U.S. economic activity.
  • Consumer spending has increased for 12 consecutive months as of the latest report.
  • The retail sales trend is a key input for GDP growth projections.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The 'Percent Change, Seasonally Adjusted' metric tracks the monthly percentage change in the total value of retail and food services sales in the United States.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: Retail sales are a critical indicator of consumer demand and economic health, making this a closely watched statistic for economists, investors, and policymakers.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The U.S. Census Bureau surveys a sample of retail and food services businesses to collect the raw data, which is then seasonally adjusted and calculated as a percent change.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Retail sales figures help inform monetary and fiscal policy decisions, as consumer spending is a major driver of economic growth. Central banks and governments closely monitor this indicator.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The retail sales data is released monthly by the Census Bureau, with a typical delay of around two weeks after the end of the reference period.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Percent Change, Seasonally Adjusted (REV000000APSA), retrieved from FRED.