Growth Rate Same Period Previous Year, Annual, Not Seasonally Adjusted
SLRTTO01O1A659S • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
2.16
Year-over-Year Change
-26.46%
Date Range
1/1/1971 - 1/1/2016
Summary
This annual, not seasonally adjusted trend measures the year-over-year growth rate of total retail sales. It provides insight into the strength and trajectory of consumer spending, a key driver of economic growth.
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 metric calculates the percent change in total retail sales compared to the same month in the prior year. This gives economists and policymakers a gauge of consumer demand and sentiment over time.
Methodology
The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Census Bureau based on monthly surveys of retail establishments.
Historical Context
This retail sales growth rate is closely watched by the Federal Reserve and other institutions to assess economic conditions and inform monetary and fiscal policy decisions.
Key Facts
- Retail sales account for about 40% of total consumer spending in the U.S.
- Consumer spending makes up roughly 70% of U.S. GDP.
- The retail sales growth rate reached a low of -6.4% in April 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the year-over-year percent change in total retail sales in the United States, providing insight into the strength of consumer demand and spending.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: The retail sales growth rate is a key indicator of economic health and consumer confidence, making it highly relevant for economists, policymakers, and investors analyzing the state of the U.S. economy.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected by the U.S. Census Bureau through monthly surveys of retail establishments and calculated as the year-over-year percent change in total retail sales.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: The retail sales growth rate is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve and other institutions to assess consumer demand and inform monetary and fiscal policy decisions that can impact employment, inflation, and overall economic conditions.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The retail sales data is released monthly by the Census Bureau, with a lag of approximately two weeks. There may be revisions to prior months' data as more complete information becomes available.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Growth Rate Same Period Previous Year, Annual, Not Seasonally Adjusted (SLRTTO01O1A659S), retrieved from FRED.