Retail Trade Inventories, All Stores for United States
M0508AUSM144NNBR • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
11,231.00
Year-over-Year Change
50.91%
Date Range
12/1/1938 - 12/1/1946
Summary
The Retail Trade Inventories, All Stores for United States measures the value of goods held in inventory by U.S. retail establishments. This metric is a key indicator of consumer demand and business confidence.
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 economic series tracks the dollar value of merchandise held for sale by U.S. retailers, providing insight into supply chain dynamics and inventory management. Analysts use this data to assess the health of the retail sector and gauge consumer spending.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail businesses by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Retail inventories are closely watched by policymakers and market participants as a leading indicator of economic activity.
Key Facts
- Retail inventories reached a record high of $761.4 billion in January 2022.
- Inventory-to-sales ratio, a measure of supply chain health, was 1.25 in December 2022.
- Automobiles and parts dealers hold the largest share of retail inventories in the U.S.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Retail Trade Inventories, All Stores for United States measures the total dollar value of merchandise held in inventory by U.S. retail establishments.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: Retail inventories provide important insights into consumer demand, supply chain dynamics, and business confidence, making this data highly relevant for economists, policymakers, and market analysts.
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 inventories are closely monitored by the Federal Reserve and other policymakers as a leading indicator of economic activity and consumer spending.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is published monthly with a typical lag of around 6 weeks, and may be subject to revisions as additional information becomes available.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Retail Trade Inventories, All Stores for United States (M0508AUSM144NNBR), retrieved from FRED.