By John S. McClenahen The latest data from the U.S. Commerce Department on the sales and inventories of American businesses reflect a still-weak U.S. economy. Inventories held by manufacturers and other businesses, but not including semiconductors, ...
ByJohn S. McClenahen The latest data from the U.S. Commerce Department on the sales and inventories of American businesses reflect a still-weak U.S. economy. Inventories held by manufacturers and other businesses, but not including semiconductors, were at an estimated $1.55 trillion at the end of February, up 0.6% from January's month-end level. Manufacturers' inventories stood at $432.9 billion at the end of February, up 0.4% from January's end-of-month mark. Sales, meanwhile, fell. Businesses recorded a seasonally adjusted $836.4 billion in sales during February, a full 1% below their January level. Manufacturers did worse on a percentage basis. Their sales fell 1.5% in February to $322.2 billion.
