Interpolation

A method of filling in estimates for a NIPA component series between two time periods by using the movements of an indicator series or by using other statistical techniques to approximate the movements of the component series. For example, an annual survey, (such as the Census Bureau annual retail trade survey) may be used to derive the annual estimate for a component series, and a monthly survey (such as the Census Bureau monthly retail trade survey) is used to derive the intervening monthly and quarterly estimates while maintaining consistency with the more accurate annual source data.