Sales: Retail Trade: Total Retail Trade: Value for Canada

CANSLRTTO02IXOBSAM • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

146.30

Year-over-Year Change

2.18%

Date Range

1/1/1960 - 10/1/2023

Summary

This economic trend measures the total value of retail trade in Canada, 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 indicator tracks the total value of sales across all retail sectors in Canada, including stores, e-commerce, and other channels. It's a widely-used metric for analyzing consumer demand, business performance, and broader economic conditions.

Methodology

The data is collected through monthly surveys of Canadian retail businesses.

Historical Context

Retail sales trends are closely monitored by policymakers, analysts, and businesses to gauge the health of the Canadian economy.

Key Facts

  • Retail sales account for over 50% of Canada's GDP.
  • E-commerce makes up over 15% of total retail trade in Canada.
  • Retail sales declined sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic but have since rebounded.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This trend measures the total value of retail sales across all sectors of the Canadian economy, including in-store, online, and other retail channels.

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

A: Retail sales data is a key indicator of consumer spending and economic activity, providing insights into the health of the Canadian economy.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of Canadian retail businesses.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Retail sales trends are closely monitored by policymakers, analysts, and businesses to gauge consumer demand and broader economic conditions.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The retail sales data is released on a monthly basis, with a typical 1-2 month lag between the reference period and publication.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Sales: Retail Trade: Total Retail Trade: Value for Canada (CANSLRTTO02IXOBSAM), retrieved from FRED.