Quarterly

LRIN24FEO1Q156N • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

56.80

Year-over-Year Change

-0.70%

Date Range

1/1/2005 - 4/1/2017

Summary

The Quarterly trend measures the level of retail inventories on a quarterly basis, providing insights into consumer demand and supply chain dynamics.

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 Quarterly retail inventories trend tracks the total dollar value of unsold goods held by retailers at the end of each quarter. This metric is closely watched by economists and policymakers to assess the balance between supply and demand in the broader economy.

Methodology

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

Historical Context

Changes in retail inventories can signal shifts in consumer spending and production, informing monetary and fiscal policy decisions.

Key Facts

  • Quarterly retail inventories reached a record high of $2.1 trillion in Q4 2021.
  • Inventory-to-sales ratio, a key indicator, stood at 1.26 in Q1 2023.
  • Retailers have faced challenges in managing inventories amid supply chain disruptions.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The Quarterly trend measures the total dollar value of retail inventories, or unsold goods held by retailers, on a quarterly basis.

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

A: Changes in retail inventories provide insights into the balance between consumer demand and supply, informing economic forecasts and policy decisions.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

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

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Retail inventory levels are closely monitored by economists and policymakers to assess the state of the broader economy and guide monetary and fiscal policy decisions.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The Quarterly retail inventories data is published with a 1-2 month lag, and may be subject to revisions as more complete information becomes available.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Quarterly (LRIN24FEO1Q156N), retrieved from FRED.