Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade
This dataset tracks advance retail sales: retail trade over time.
Latest Value
621370.00
Year-over-Year Change
3.51%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 6/1/2025
Summary
The Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade metric measures the total sales revenue generated by the retail trade sector in the United States. It serves as a key indicator of consumer spending and economic health.
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: Retail Trade data represents the total sales made by retailers, excluding the automotive and food services sectors. It is a closely watched metric that provides insight into the overall strength of consumer demand and the retail industry.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail businesses in the U.S.
Historical Context
Retail sales data is used by policymakers, economists, and market analysts to assess the state of the economy and consumer confidence.
Key Facts
- Retail trade accounts for about 30% of total U.S. consumer spending.
- Advance Retail Sales data is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau.
- Strong retail sales often signal a healthy economy with robust consumer demand.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade metric measures the total sales revenue generated by the retail trade sector in the United States.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: Retail sales data is a key indicator of consumer spending and economic health, providing insights into the overall strength of consumer demand and the retail industry.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail businesses in the U.S.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Retail sales data is used by policymakers, economists, and market analysts to assess the state of the economy and consumer confidence.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The Advance Retail Sales data is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau, with a typical delay of a few weeks.
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Similar RSXFS Trends
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade (RSXFS), retrieved from FRED.