Business Fixed Investment (Quarterly Change) vs Retail Sales (Monthly Change)
Business Fixed Investment (Quarterly Change) is currently 3.8% (down -0.9%). Retail Sales (Monthly Change) is currently -0.2% (down -0.4%).
| Metric | Business Fixed Investment (Quarterly Change) | Retail Sales (Monthly Change) |
|---|---|---|
| Current value | 3.8% | -0.2% |
| Previous reading | 4.7% | 0.2% |
| Change | -0.9% | -0.4% |
| Trend | down | down |
| Frequency | Quarterly | Monthly |
| Source | Bureau of Economic Analysis | U.S. Census Bureau |
| Last updated | 2026-03-27 | 2026-03-17 |
| Category | growth | consumer |
What Business Fixed Investment (Quarterly Change) measures
Business fixed investment measures spending by businesses on structures (factories, offices), equipment, and intellectual property products (software, R&D). It reflects corporate confidence in future demand and is a key component of GDP.
Business investment grew at 3.8% annualized — positive but decelerating from 4.7% last quarter. AI-related capital expenditure (data centers, chips, software) is a bright spot, while traditional equipment investment is more muted. For executives, sustained investment growth signals corporate confidence, but the deceleration suggests some companies are becoming more cautious amid tariff uncertainty and tight financial conditions.
What Retail Sales (Monthly Change) measures
Retail sales measures the total receipts of retail stores, covering purchases of durable and nondurable goods. It is a timely indicator of consumer demand and is closely watched for signs of economic strength or weakness.
Retail sales declined 0.2% in the latest report, following a weak January (-0.9%). Excluding autos and gas, the picture is slightly better. For executives in retail and consumer goods, the data suggests consumers are pulling back on discretionary purchases while maintaining spending on essentials. E-commerce continues to gain share of total retail sales.
Frequently asked
Business Fixed Investment (Quarterly Change) is currently 3.8%, down -0.9% from the previous reading. Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, updated quarterly.
Retail Sales (Monthly Change) is currently -0.2%, down -0.4% from the previous reading. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, updated monthly.
Business investment grew at 3.8% annualized — positive but decelerating from 4.7% last quarter. AI-related capital expenditure (data centers, chips, software) is a bright spot, while traditional equip Retail sales declined 0.2% in the latest report, following a weak January (-0.9%). Excluding autos and gas, the picture is slightly better. For executives in retail and consumer goods, the data sugges