Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade and Food Services
This dataset tracks advance retail sales: retail trade and food services over time.
Latest Value
720106.00
Year-over-Year Change
3.92%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 6/1/2025
Summary
The Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade and Food Services trend measures monthly changes in consumer spending at retail establishments and restaurants in the United States. This metric is a key indicator of overall economic activity and consumer confidence.
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 Advance Retail Sales data provides an early estimate of retail trade and food services sales, offering timely insights into consumer spending patterns. It is closely watched by economists, policymakers, and market analysts to gauge the health of the U.S. economy.
Methodology
The data is collected through surveys of retail and food service businesses by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Retail sales data is a critical input for the Federal Reserve and other institutions in formulating economic and monetary policy.
Key Facts
- Retail and food services sales account for nearly 40% of total consumer spending in the U.S.
- The Advance Retail Sales report is released about 15 days after the end of each month.
- Monthly retail sales growth is a closely watched metric for assessing the health of the U.S. economy.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade and Food Services trend measures monthly changes in consumer spending at retail establishments and restaurants in the United States.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This metric is a key indicator of overall economic activity and consumer confidence, providing timely insights that are closely watched by economists, policymakers, and market analysts.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through surveys of retail and food service businesses by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Retail sales data is a critical input for the Federal Reserve and other institutions in formulating economic and monetary policy.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The Advance Retail Sales report is released about 15 days after the end of each month, providing timely but not fully comprehensive data on consumer spending.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade and Food Services (RSAFS), retrieved from FRED.