Sales: Retail Trade: Total Retail Trade: Volume for Germany

Growth rate same period previous year, Quarterly

SLRTTO01DEQ659S • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

3.72

Year-over-Year Change

-54.76%

Date Range

1/1/1956 - 1/1/2025

Summary

This economic indicator measures the year-over-year growth rate of retail sales in the United States on a quarterly basis. It provides insight into consumer spending patterns and is a key gauge of 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 growth rate same period previous year, Quarterly metric tracks the percent change in retail sales between a given quarter and the same quarter one year prior. It offers a standardized way to analyze retail trends and consumer demand over time, adjusting for seasonal variations.

Methodology

The data is collected through surveys of retail and food service firms by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Historical Context

This indicator is closely monitored by policymakers, economists, and market analysts to assess the health of the U.S. consumer economy.

Key Facts

  • Retail sales account for nearly 70% of U.S. economic activity.
  • Quarterly retail sales growth averaged 4.4% from 2010-2019.
  • E-commerce now makes up over 13% of total U.S. retail sales.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This indicator measures the year-over-year percent change in U.S. retail sales on a quarterly basis, providing insight into consumer spending patterns.

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

A: Retail sales growth is a key gauge of economic health and consumer demand, making this indicator highly relevant for policymakers, economists, and market analysts.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail and food service firms conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Policymakers closely monitor retail sales growth to assess the strength of consumer spending and make informed decisions around fiscal and monetary policy.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is released on a quarterly basis with a typical 1-2 month delay, and may be subject to revisions as additional information becomes available.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Growth rate same period previous year, Quarterly (SLRTTO01DEQ659S), retrieved from FRED.