Seasonally Adjusted

SBF4QSASC • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

1,123.00

Year-over-Year Change

12.53%

Date Range

7/1/2004 - 10/1/2019

Summary

The Seasonally Adjusted data series measures changes in total retail and food services sales, adjusting for seasonal variations. It is a key economic indicator used to analyze consumer spending and monitor retail market trends.

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

Seasonally Adjusted retail sales data removes regular, predictable variations such as holidays and weather that can obscure underlying trends. This allows policymakers and analysts to better understand the true direction of the economy.

Methodology

The U.S. Census Bureau collects the raw retail sales data and applies statistical models to adjust for seasonal factors.

Historical Context

Seasonally Adjusted retail sales data is closely watched by the Federal Reserve and other institutions to inform economic policy decisions.

Key Facts

  • Retail sales account for nearly 70% of U.S. economic activity.
  • Seasonal adjustments remove predictable variations like holidays and weather.
  • Seasonally Adjusted data provides a clearer picture of underlying consumer demand.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The Seasonally Adjusted retail sales data measures changes in total retail and food services sales, with seasonal variations removed.

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

A: This data is a key indicator of consumer spending and the overall health of the retail sector, which is a major driver of the U.S. economy.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The U.S. Census Bureau collects the raw retail sales data and applies statistical models to adjust for seasonal factors.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Seasonally Adjusted retail sales data is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve and other policymakers to inform decisions on interest rates and other economic interventions.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The Seasonally Adjusted retail sales data is published monthly by the Census Bureau, with a typical 2-week delay from the end of the reference period.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Census Bureau, Seasonally Adjusted Retail and Food Services Sales (SBF4QSASC), retrieved from FRED.