"Retail sales (monthly rate) refers to the growth rate of the total sales of goods and services provided by retail enterprises in a country or region relative to the previous month. This indicator is mainly used to measure the growth rate of consumer spending in the short term and the consumer demand of the economy. Usually expressed as a percentage.

The formula for calculating the monthly rate of retail sales is:

(total retail sales of the month - total retail sales of the previous month) / total retail sales of the previous month × 100%

For example, if a country's retail sales totaled $100 billion last month and $110 billion this month, the country's monthly retail sales would be:

(1100 - 1000) / 1000 × 100% = 10%

The monthly retail sales rate is one of the important indicators to measure the consumer demand and economic activity level of a country or region. A high monthly rate of retail sales indicates an increase in consumer demand for goods and services, and vice versa indicates a decline in consumer demand. At the same time, the monthly rate of retail sales can also reflect the contribution of a country or region's economic growth and consumer spending. In terms of analyzing economic development trends and policy formulation, the monthly retail sales rate is widely used to assess economic conditions and formulate corresponding control measures.

In short, the monthly rate of retail sales is an important economic indicator that can reflect the level and trend of consumer demand and economic activities in the short term. It not only plays an important role in economic analysis and policy formulation, but also can provide important reference and basis to help enterprises and governments make more informed decisions. "