Retail Sales

The Retail Sales report is an important economic indicator that measures the total sales of goods and services sold by retail stores in the United States. It is released on a monthly basis and provides insights into consumer spending trends, which is a major driver of the economy.

The report tracks sales data from various retail sectors, including department stores, supermarkets, gas stations, and online retailers.

It is a key gauge of consumer spending, which accounts for a significant portion of the U.S. GDP. Higher retail sales indicate strong consumer confidence and spending power, while lower sales can suggest economic slowdown or reduced consumer confidence.

Retail sales data can influence market sentiment, as it provides a snapshot of consumer behaviour and economic health. Strong sales can signal a growing economy, while weak sales may raise concerns about a potential downturn.

The report is published by the U.S. Census Bureau, typically around the middle of the month, and it covers data from the previous month.

For traders, retail sales provide valuable insights into consumer behaviour, economic strength, and potential market-moving trends. It often cause short-term volatility in the market, providing opportunities for traders to capitalize on price swings. Forex traders, for instance, might see an impact on currency pairs (particularly the U.S. dollar) based on how the data compares to market expectations.