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Monthly

BRMT30M647NCEN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

84,721.00

Year-over-Year Change

-5.23%

Date Range

1/1/1981 - 6/1/2023

Summary

The Monthly Retail Sales Index measures the total sales revenue of retail establishments in the United States. It is a key indicator of consumer spending and overall 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 Monthly Retail Sales Index tracks the total value of goods sold by retailers, including both durable and non-durable merchandise. It is a widely followed metric for assessing the health and trajectory of the U.S. consumer economy.

Methodology

The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail businesses by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Historical Context

Retail sales figures are closely monitored by policymakers, analysts, and investors to gauge consumer confidence and forecast broader economic trends.

Key Facts

  • Retail sales account for nearly 70% of U.S. GDP.
  • Online sales have grown to over 15% of total retail trade.
  • Consumers spent an average of $1.4 trillion per month at retailers in 2022.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The Monthly Retail Sales Index tracks the total value of goods sold by retailers in the United States, providing a gauge of consumer spending and economic activity.

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

A: Retail sales data is a crucial indicator of consumer confidence and the overall health of the U.S. economy, and is closely monitored by policymakers, economists, and investors.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail businesses conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Retail sales figures are used by the Federal Reserve and other policymakers to assess the state of the consumer economy and inform monetary and fiscal policy decisions.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The Monthly Retail Sales Index is released approximately two weeks after the end of each month, and may be subject to revisions as more complete data becomes available.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Monthly Retail Sales (BRMT30M647NCEN), retrieved from FRED.