Percent Change, Seasonally Adjusted
This dataset tracks percent change, seasonally adjusted over time.
Latest Value
0.40
Year-over-Year Change
-71.43%
Date Range
4/1/2009 - 1/1/2025
Summary
The 'Percent Change, Seasonally Adjusted' economic trend measures the monthly percentage change in total retail sales, a key indicator of consumer spending and 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 retail sales trend offers insights into the health of the consumer sector, a major driver of the U.S. economy. Economists and policymakers analyze these figures to gauge consumer confidence and make informed decisions about monetary and fiscal policies.
Methodology
The U.S. Census Bureau collects retail sales data through surveys of a sample of businesses and calculates the seasonally adjusted month-over-month percent change.
Historical Context
Retail sales figures are closely watched by financial markets and inform the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions.
Key Facts
- Retail sales account for about 70% of U.S. economic activity.
- Consumer spending is a key driver of GDP growth.
- The retail sales trend is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The 'Percent Change, Seasonally Adjusted' trend measures the monthly percentage change in total retail sales, which reflects the level of consumer spending in the U.S. economy.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This retail sales trend is a critical indicator of consumer confidence and economic health, as consumer spending accounts for a large portion of overall economic activity.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The U.S. Census Bureau collects retail sales data through surveys of a sample of businesses and calculates the seasonally adjusted month-over-month percent change.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Retail sales figures are closely monitored by the Federal Reserve and other policymakers, as they inform decisions about monetary policy and provide insights into the state of the consumer sector.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The retail sales data is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau, with a typical delay of around two weeks after the end of the reference month.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Percent Change, Seasonally Adjusted (REV6211TPSA), retrieved from FRED.