Millions of Dollars
MRTSSM452112IUSN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
8,024.00
Year-over-Year Change
2.36%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 3/1/2018
Summary
The 'Millions of Dollars' trend measures total retail and food service sales in the United States, providing 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
This series represents the total value in millions of U.S. dollars of retail and food service sales, a crucial metric for gauging the health and trajectory of the American consumer economy.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail and food service businesses by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Retail sales figures are closely watched by policymakers, investors, and economists to assess economic conditions and consumer confidence.
Key Facts
- Retail sales account for nearly 70% of U.S. economic activity.
- The series has been published monthly since 1992.
- December 2022 retail sales totaled $677.1 billion.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The 'Millions of Dollars' trend measures the total value of retail and food service sales in the United States, providing insights into consumer spending and the overall health of the economy.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: Retail sales data is a key indicator of consumer confidence and economic activity, making it crucial for policymakers, investors, and economists to monitor and analyze.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail and food service businesses conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Retail sales figures are closely watched by the Federal Reserve and other policymakers to assess the state of the economy and inform decisions on monetary policy and economic stimulus measures.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The retail sales data is published monthly, with a slight delay to allow for comprehensive data collection and processing.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Millions of Dollars (MRTSSM452112IUSN), retrieved from FRED.