Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade and Food Services, Excluding Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers
Millions of Dollars, Not Seasonally Adjusted
RSFSXMVN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
599,623.00
Year-over-Year Change
4.20%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 7/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend measures the total value of retail sales, excluding motor vehicles and parts, in the United States on a monthly basis. It provides insight into consumer spending patterns 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
The Retail Sales excluding Motor Vehicles and Parts trend is a key indicator of the health of the U.S. economy. It tracks the total dollar value of goods sold by retailers, excluding sales at automobile dealerships and parts stores, which provides a more comprehensive view of consumer spending behavior.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail businesses by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
This metric is closely monitored by policymakers, economists, and market analysts to assess the strength of the consumer economy.
Key Facts
- Retail sales excluding motor vehicles and parts account for about 70% of total retail sales.
- Consumer spending makes up approximately 70% of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product.
- The retail sales trend is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Retail Sales excluding Motor Vehicles and Parts trend measures the total value of retail sales, excluding sales at automobile dealerships and parts stores, on a monthly basis in the United States.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This trend provides important insights into consumer spending patterns and the overall health of the U.S. economy, as consumer spending accounts for a significant portion of economic activity.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail businesses conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers, economists, and market analysts closely monitor this metric to assess the strength of the consumer economy and inform economic policy decisions.
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 a few weeks from the end of the reference period.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Millions of Dollars, Not Seasonally Adjusted (RSFSXMVN), retrieved from FRED.