Retail Sales MoM measures the monthly change in the total value of sales at the retail level, serving as the primary gauge of consumer spending. Since consumer spending accounts for a significant portion of overall economic activity, this indicator is a critical driver of GDP growth. It provides early insights into household consumption patterns and the underlying strength of the domestic economy.
The data is compiled from a survey of retail firms of various sizes and types. The figure is seasonally adjusted to account for holiday periods and trading day differences, though it is not adjusted for inflation.
| Date | Actual | Forecast | Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 9, 2013 | -0.40 | — | — |