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Businesses boost restocking 1 percent
WASHINGTON — U.S. companies increased their restocking in January from December, an encouraging signal that they expect consumers will spend more this year and help the economy grow faster. The Commerce Department said Wednesday that business stockpiles grew 1 percent in January. That’s up from 0.3 percent growth in December and the biggest gain since […]
Wholesale stockpiles rise 1.2 percent
WASHINGTON — U.S. wholesalers boosted their stockpiles in January by the largest amount in 13 months even though their sales dropped sharply. Inventories at the wholesale level rose 1.2 percent in January compared with December when inventories had edged up a slight 0.1 percent, the Commerce Department said Friday. It was the biggest gain since […]
Business stockpiles grew 0.6 percent in August
WASHINGTON — U.S. companies restocked their shelves at a solid pace in August while sales rose for a second straight month. The combination of higher stockpiles and increased sales should help to boost economic growth. Business inventories grew 0.6 percent in August following a July gain of 0.8 percent that had been the strongest since […]
Business inventories up 0.1 percent in June
WASHINGTON — U.S. companies barely increased their stockpiles in June from May, and sales plunged by the largest amount in more than three years. Business inventories edged up a slight 0.1 percent in June after a 0.3 percent gain in May, the Commerce Department reported Tuesday. Sales fell 1.1 percent, the sharpest decline since March […]
Contracts to buy homes fell slightly in June
WASHINGTON — Americans signed fewer contracts to buy previously occupied homes last month, the latest sign the housing market recovery is uneven. The National Association of Realtors said Thursday that its index of sales agreements fell 1.4 percent last month to 99.3. May’s reading was revised down to 100.7. A reading of 100 is considered […]
New-home sales fall to 350K, 5-month low
WASHINGTON — Americans bought fewer new homes in June after sales jumped to a two-year high in May. The steep decline suggests a weaker job market and slower growth could make the housing recovery uneven. The Commerce Department said Wednesday that sales of new homes fell 8.4 percent last month from May to a seasonally […]
Economy ends tough 2011 on a surprising upswing
WASHINGTON — The economy is ending 2011 on a roll. The job market is healthier. Americans are spending lustily on holiday gifts. A long-awaited turnaround for the depressed housing industry may be under way. Gas is cheaper. Factories are busier. Stocks are higher. Not bad for an economy faced with a debt crisis in Europe and, […]
Wholesale companies cut inventories but sales rise
WASHINGTON — Wholesale businesses in the U.S. reduced their stockpiles in September for the first time in nearly two years, while their sales rose. Inventories at the wholesale level fell 0.1 percent, the Commerce Department said Wednesday. It was the first decline since December 2009. The drop was largely because companies cut their stockpiles of […]
Business inventories and sales rose in August
WASHINGTON — Companies were confident enough in the economy in August to keep stocking their shelves, even as other data stoked recession fears. Businesses added to their stockpiles for a 20th consecutive month and their sales rose for a third straight month, the Commerce Department said Friday. Inventories increased 0.5 percent in August, matching the […]
Wholesale inventories rose in June for 18th month
WASHINGTON — U.S. wholesale companies added more autos, machinery and computers to their stockpiles in June, pushing inventories up for the 18th consecutive month. Sales at the wholesale level rose 0.6 percent in June, the Commerce department said Wednesday. That followed a 0.3 percent drop in May. Sales have risen in 10 of the past […]
Wholesale inventories up in May but sales decline
WASHINGTON — Wholesale companies added to their stockpiles for a 17th straight month in May but their sales declined for only the second time in the past 11 months, providing further evidence of the U.S. economy’s slowdown in the spring. The Commerce Department says wholesale inventories rose 1.8 percent in May, the biggest gain since […]
Inventories and sales both gain in February
WASHINGTON — Businesses added to their stockpiles for a 14th straight month in February while sales increased for an eighth consecutive month, signs that factories expect to see rising demand in coming months. The Commerce Department says business inventories rose 0.5 percent in February. Combined sales by manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers increased 0.2 percent during […]
