Sales: Retail Trade: Total Retail Trade: Volume for United States
SLRTTO01USQ661S • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
106.37
Year-over-Year Change
6.43%
Date Range
1/1/1960 - 4/1/2018
Summary
The Retail Trade: Total Retail Trade: Volume for United States measures the volume of total retail sales, a key indicator of consumer demand 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
This series tracks the dollar value of retail sales adjusted for seasonal and inflation factors, providing a comprehensive view of consumer spending patterns across the U.S. economy. Retail trade data is a crucial input for economic forecasting and policy decisions.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail establishments by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Retail trade volumes are closely monitored by the Federal Reserve and other policymakers to assess the health of the consumer sector and broader economic conditions.
Key Facts
- Retail trade accounts for over 40% of total U.S. consumer spending.
- Retail sales volumes have shown strong recovery since the COVID-19 recession.
- Rapid changes in retail trade can signal shifts in consumer confidence and economic momentum.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Retail Trade: Total Retail Trade: Volume for United States tracks the total inflation-adjusted dollar value of retail sales across the U.S. economy.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: Retail trade data is a crucial indicator of consumer demand and overall economic activity, making it closely watched by policymakers, investors, and economic analysts.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail establishments conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Retail trade volumes are monitored by the Federal Reserve and other policymakers to assess the health of the consumer sector and broader economic conditions, informing monetary and fiscal policy decisions.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: There is typically a 1-2 month lag in the release of retail trade data, reflecting the time required for data collection and processing.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Sales: Retail Trade: Total Retail Trade: Volume for United States (SLRTTO01USQ661S), retrieved from FRED.