Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade and Food Services, Excluding Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers
This dataset tracks advance retail sales: retail trade and food services, excluding motor vehicle and parts dealers over time.
Latest Value
583326.00
Year-over-Year Change
3.35%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 6/1/2025
Summary
The Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade and Food Services, Excluding Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers trend measures monthly changes in retail sales, excluding auto-related purchases. It is 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 data series tracks retail and food service sales, excluding motor vehicles and parts dealers. It is a vital gauge of overall consumer demand and confidence, as consumer spending accounts for a large portion of U.S. economic activity.
Methodology
The U.S. Census Bureau collects this data through monthly surveys of retail and food service businesses.
Historical Context
Economists and policymakers closely monitor this metric to assess the health of the consumer sector and broader economy.
Key Facts
- Retail and food service sales account for about 30% of U.S. GDP.
- This metric excludes auto-related purchases, which are tracked separately.
- Monthly data is released around the 15th of each month.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade and Food Services, Excluding Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers trend measures monthly changes in retail sales, excluding auto-related purchases.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This metric is a vital indicator of consumer spending and confidence, which are key drivers of overall economic activity in the United States.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The U.S. Census Bureau collects this data through monthly surveys of retail and food service businesses.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Economists and policymakers closely monitor this metric to assess the health of the consumer sector and broader economy, which informs policy decisions.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released around the 15th of each month, with a two-week reporting lag.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade and Food Services, Excluding Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers (RSFSXMV), retrieved from FRED.