US wholesale inventories rise slightly in December as sales growth remains strong
US wholesale inventories rose 0.2 percent in December while sales increased by 1.0 percent. The inventory to sales ratio fell slightly as demand stayed firm.
Wholesale inventories in the United States 
US rose by 0.2% in December, matching the increase seen in November. Data released today by the U.S. Commerce Department's Census Bureau showed that while inventories marked their third straight quarterly decline, they remained up 2.9% on a year-over-year basis. This marginal monthly growth occurred amid a period of strong sales growth for wholesalers.
US rose by 0.2% in December, matching the increase seen in November. Data released today by the U.S. Commerce Department's Census Bureau showed that while inventories marked their third straight quarterly decline, they remained up 2.9% on a year-over-year basis. This marginal monthly growth occurred amid a period of strong sales growth for wholesalers.The change in inventory levels is a significant component of business inventories that fed into the calculation of the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP). These figures contributed to the reported 1.4% annualized GDP growth pace for the fourth quarter. The publication of this data was delayed by last year's government shutdown, making the release material for current economic reporting and analysis.
