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Quarterly

ROWDIPQ027S • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

1,433,750.00

Year-over-Year Change

86.30%

Date Range

10/1/1945 - 1/1/2025

Summary

The Quarterly Retail Sales indicator measures the total dollar value of retail sales over a three-month period. It is a key metric for analyzing consumer spending and economic growth.

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 Quarterly Retail Sales indicator provides a comprehensive overview of consumer purchasing behavior across a range of retail sectors. It is widely used by economists, policymakers, and analysts to assess the health and direction of the broader economy.

Methodology

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

Historical Context

This metric is closely watched for insights into consumer confidence and the trajectory of the business cycle.

Key Facts

  • Retail sales account for nearly 70% of U.S. GDP.
  • Quarterly retail sales data is released approximately 6 weeks after the end of each quarter.
  • Consumer spending has historically made up around two-thirds of total U.S. economic activity.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The Quarterly Retail Sales indicator measures the total dollar value of retail sales over a three-month period, providing insights into consumer spending patterns.

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

A: Retail sales are a crucial indicator of consumer demand and economic health, making this metric highly relevant for economists, policymakers, and market analysts.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

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

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Quarterly retail sales data is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve and other policymakers to assess the strength of consumer spending and guide monetary and fiscal policy decisions.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The Quarterly Retail Sales data is released approximately 6 weeks after the end of each quarter, and may be subject to revisions as more complete information becomes available.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Quarterly Retail Sales (ROWDIPQ027S), retrieved from FRED.