Real GDP Growth Rate vs Retail Sales (Monthly Change)
Real GDP Growth Rate is currently 2.4% (down -0.7%). Retail Sales (Monthly Change) is currently -0.2% (down -0.4%).
| Metric | Real GDP Growth Rate | Retail Sales (Monthly Change) |
|---|---|---|
| Current value | 2.4% | -0.2% |
| Previous reading | 3.1% | 0.2% |
| Change | -0.7% | -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 Real GDP Growth Rate measures
Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measures the inflation-adjusted value of all goods and services produced in the United States. The growth rate shows how fast the economy is expanding or contracting on an annualized quarterly basis.
GDP growth is the single most important measure of economic health. A rate above 2% signals healthy expansion; below 1% raises recession concerns. For executives, GDP growth directly affects consumer demand, business investment, and hiring plans. The current 2.4% growth rate represents moderate expansion — strong enough to sustain corporate earnings but below the 3%+ pace that typically drives aggressive hiring.
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
Real GDP Growth Rate is currently 2.4%, down -0.7% 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.
GDP growth is the single most important measure of economic health. A rate above 2% signals healthy expansion; below 1% raises recession concerns. For executives, GDP growth directly affects consumer 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