Total Revenue for Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services, Establishments Subject to Federal Income Tax

Millions of Dollars, Seasonally Adjusted

REV518TMSA • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

100,062.00

Year-over-Year Change

33.65%

Date Range

10/1/2003 - 1/1/2025

Summary

The 'Millions of Dollars, Seasonally Adjusted' trend measures total retail and food services sales in the United States. It is a key indicator of consumer spending and overall economic activity.

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 series tracks the monthly dollar value of retail and food service sales in the U.S., adjusted for seasonal variations. It is widely used by economists and policymakers to analyze consumer demand, gauge inflationary pressures, and assess the health of the broader economy.

Methodology

The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail and food service establishments by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Historical Context

Retail sales figures are closely monitored by the Federal Reserve and other agencies when formulating economic and monetary policies.

Key Facts

  • Retail sales account for about 40% of total consumer spending in the U.S.
  • The series excludes sales from motor vehicles and parts dealers, as well as non-store (e.g., online) retailers.
  • Retail sales data is one of the earliest monthly economic indicators released each month.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The 'Millions of Dollars, Seasonally Adjusted' trend measures the total monthly value of retail and food service sales in the United States, adjusted to remove seasonal fluctuations.

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

A: Retail sales are a key indicator of consumer demand and overall economic activity. This data is closely watched by economists, policymakers, and market analysts to assess the health of the U.S. economy.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail and food service establishments conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Retail sales figures are monitored by the Federal Reserve and other agencies when formulating monetary and fiscal policies aimed at promoting economic growth and stability.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The retail sales data is released by the Census Bureau on a monthly basis, with a typical release lag of around two weeks after the end of the reference month.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Millions of Dollars, Seasonally Adjusted (REV518TMSA), retrieved from FRED.