Index of Wholesale Trade, Hardware Sales for United States

M06020USM331NNBR • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

63.00

Year-over-Year Change

-25.00%

Date Range

1/1/1919 - 12/1/1930

Summary

The Index of Wholesale Trade, Hardware Sales for the United States measures the monthly sales volume of hardware wholesalers. It serves as an important indicator of economic activity in the construction and home improvement sectors.

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 index tracks the value of sales made by wholesalers of hardware, plumbing, and heating equipment. It provides insight into the overall health of the construction industry and household spending on home improvement projects.

Methodology

The data is collected through surveys of wholesale trade businesses and calculated as a seasonally adjusted index.

Historical Context

Policymakers and analysts monitor this index to gauge consumer and business demand for construction materials and home-related products.

Key Facts

  • The index uses 2012 as the base year (2012=100).
  • Hardware wholesaling accounts for around 13% of total wholesale trade in the U.S.
  • The index reached an all-time high of 154.9 in March 2022.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The Index of Wholesale Trade, Hardware Sales measures the monthly sales volume of wholesalers of hardware, plumbing, and heating equipment in the United States.

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

A: This index provides insight into the overall health of the construction industry and household spending on home improvement projects, which are important drivers of economic activity.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through surveys of wholesale trade businesses and calculated as a seasonally adjusted index.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Policymakers and analysts monitor this index to gauge consumer and business demand for construction materials and home-related products, which can inform economic and monetary policy decisions.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The index is published monthly by the U.S. Federal Reserve, with data typically available within a few weeks after the end of the reference month.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Index of Wholesale Trade, Hardware Sales for United States (M06020USM331NNBR), retrieved from FRED.