Business Inventories Low

 

Feb. 14, 2007 -- Despite a boost in December sales, inventory levels at the nation's manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers remained unchanged for the month, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday.

As sales rose 1.4 percent from November, retail inventories rose by only 0.3 percent and manufacturers' by 0.1 percent, while wholesalers' inventories declined by 0.5 percent, the report said.

The inventories to sales ratio at the end of the month dropped to 1.28, compared to 1.26 a year earlier, the report said. The ratio has declined steadily in recent years.

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