Monthly, Seasonally Adjusted

SMU10000005552210001SA • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

10.20

Year-over-Year Change

3.03%

Date Range

1/1/1990 - 12/1/2017

Summary

This economic indicator measures monthly, seasonally adjusted retail sales in the U.S. It is a key statistic for gauging consumer spending and overall 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 Monthly, Seasonally Adjusted retail sales trend tracks the total value of merchandise sold by retailers across the United States on a monthly basis, with adjustments made to account for seasonal variations. It is a closely watched metric used by economists, policymakers, and market analysts to assess the strength of consumer demand.

Methodology

The data is collected through surveys of retail establishments and compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Historical Context

This metric provides important insights into the direction of the economy and can inform monetary and fiscal policy decisions.

Key Facts

  • Retail sales account for nearly 50% of total consumer spending in the U.S.
  • Seasonally adjusted data helps identify underlying economic trends by removing the effects of regular seasonal fluctuations.
  • Monthly retail sales data is released by the U.S. Census Bureau around 15 days after the end of each month.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The Monthly, Seasonally Adjusted retail sales trend measures the total value of merchandise sold by retailers across the United States on a monthly basis, with adjustments made to account for seasonal variations.

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

A: This metric is a key indicator of consumer spending and overall economic health, providing important insights that can inform monetary and fiscal policy decisions.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through surveys of retail establishments and compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Policymakers and market analysts closely monitor this metric to assess the direction of the economy and make informed decisions about monetary and fiscal policies.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The monthly retail sales data is released by the U.S. Census Bureau around 15 days after the end of each month.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Monthly, Seasonally Adjusted (SMU10000005552210001SA), retrieved from FRED.