Production, Sales, Work Started and Orders: Retail Trade Volume: Economic Activity: Retail Trade, Except of Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles for United States

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

Latest Value

119.08

Year-over-Year Change

1.09%

Date Range

1/1/1955 - 12/1/2023

Summary

This economic trend measures the monthly volume of retail trade, excluding motor vehicles and motorcycles, in the United States. It provides a key indicator of consumer spending and 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 Retail Trade Volume index tracks changes in the overall level of retail sales, offering insights into consumer demand and the health of the broader economy. It is widely used by economists, policymakers, and market analysts to assess the state of the U.S. consumer sector.

Methodology

The data is collected through surveys of retail establishments and calculated as an index based on the volume of sales.

Historical Context

Retail trade data is closely monitored for its implications on monetary and fiscal policy decisions.

Key Facts

  • Retail trade makes up about 30% of total consumer spending in the U.S.
  • The index is seasonally adjusted to account for holiday and other seasonal effects.
  • Retail trade data is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This trend measures the monthly volume of retail trade in the United States, excluding motor vehicles and motorcycles. It provides an indicator of consumer spending and the overall health of the retail sector.

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

A: Retail trade data is closely watched by economists, policymakers, and market analysts as it offers insights into consumer demand and the broader state of the U.S. economy.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through surveys of retail establishments and calculated as an index based on the volume of sales.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Retail trade data is used by the Federal Reserve and other policymakers to help inform monetary and fiscal policy decisions due to its implications for consumer spending and economic activity.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The retail trade data is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau, with a typical delay of around 2-3 weeks from the end of the reference period.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Production, Sales, Work Started and Orders: Retail Trade Volume: Economic Activity: Retail Trade, Except of Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles for United States (USASARTMISMEI), retrieved from FRED.