Retail Sales

Posted by Scriptaty | 9:08 PM

What it is: The most timely, albeit volatile, report of consumer spending patterns, excluding any type of services.

Who puts it out: U.S. Census Bureau (www.census.gov).

When it’s released: 8:30 a.m. ET around the 13th of the month after the actual month.

What it means: As is the case with the CPI, rising retail sales numbers might indicate demand is about to outstrip supply, which might lead to higher inflation. However, because the data doesn’t include services, but does include gas, cars and food, it is very volatile and subject to large seasonal changes and subsequent revisions.

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