Percent Change, Not Seasonally Adjusted
This dataset tracks percent change, not seasonally adjusted over time.
Latest Value
-0.70
Year-over-Year Change
-107.22%
Date Range
4/1/2010 - 1/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend measures the quarterly percent change in retail sales, excluding seasonal adjustments. It provides insight into the underlying momentum of consumer spending in the U.S. economy.
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
The 'Percent Change, Not Seasonally Adjusted' retail sales metric tracks the quarter-over-quarter change in total retail and food service sales. This unadjusted data is useful for analyzing longer-term trends and identifying atypical seasonal patterns in consumer behavior.
Methodology
The U.S. Census Bureau collects retail sales data from a sample of businesses and calculates the percent change from the prior quarter.
Historical Context
Retail sales are a key indicator of consumer confidence and a major driver of economic growth, making this trend relevant for policymakers and market analysts.
Key Facts
- Retail sales account for nearly 70% of U.S. economic activity.
- Consumer spending drives over two-thirds of GDP in the United States.
- The 'Percent Change, Not Seasonally Adjusted' metric excludes typical seasonal patterns.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the quarterly percent change in total retail and food service sales in the United States, without adjusting for seasonal factors.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: Retail sales are a key indicator of consumer confidence and spending, which are major drivers of economic growth. The unadjusted data provides insight into underlying consumer behavior patterns.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The U.S. Census Bureau collects retail sales data from a sample of businesses and calculates the percent change from the prior quarter.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and market analysts closely monitor retail sales trends to gauge consumer confidence and spending, which are crucial inputs for economic forecasting and policy decisions.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The retail sales data is released monthly with a lag of approximately two weeks, and the 'Percent Change, Not Seasonally Adjusted' metric may be subject to revisions in subsequent releases.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Percent Change, Not Seasonally Adjusted (REV487TAXABL157QNSA), retrieved from FRED.