Business Inventories Increase 0.5{f08ff3a0ad7db12f5b424ba38f473ff67b97b420df338baa81683bbacd458fca} in February

U.S. business inventories rose again in February, an indicator of economic growth as companies restock after pandemic shutdowns.

The Commerce Department estimated manufacturers’ and trade inventories at an end-of-month level of $2,010.8 billion, up 0.5{f08ff3a0ad7db12f5b424ba38f473ff67b97b420df338baa81683bbacd458fca} from January but down 0.7{f08ff3a0ad7db12f5b424ba38f473ff67b97b420df338baa81683bbacd458fca} year over year.

February’s gain, which was in line with economists’ expectations, followed a 0.4{f08ff3a0ad7db12f5b424ba38f473ff67b97b420df338baa81683bbacd458fca} advance in January.

Retail inventories were unchanged while motor vehicle inventories fell 2.6{f08ff3a0ad7db12f5b424ba38f473ff67b97b420df338baa81683bbacd458fca}. “Motor vehicle stocks are dwindling as a global semi-conductor shortage hampers auto production,” Reuters said.

Retail inventories excluding autos increased 1.2{f08ff3a0ad7db12f5b424ba38f473ff67b97b420df338baa81683bbacd458fca} as estimated last month, following a 0.2{f08ff3a0ad7db12f5b424ba38f473ff67b97b420df338baa81683bbacd458fca} gain in January.

Inventory investment has contributed to GDP growth for two straight quarters. Growth estimates for the first quarter are as high as a 9.7{f08ff3a0ad7db12f5b424ba38f473ff67b97b420df338baa81683bbacd458fca} annualized rate and GDP is expected to increase more than 7.0{f08ff3a0ad7db12f5b424ba38f473ff67b97b420df338baa81683bbacd458fca} this year, which would be the fastest since 1984 and would follow a 3.5{f08ff3a0ad7db12f5b424ba38f473ff67b97b420df338baa81683bbacd458fca} contraction last year, the worst performance in 74 years.

Business sales fell 1.9{f08ff3a0ad7db12f5b424ba38f473ff67b97b420df338baa81683bbacd458fca} in February after rising 4.5{f08ff3a0ad7db12f5b424ba38f473ff67b97b420df338baa81683bbacd458fca} in January. At February’s sales pace, it would take 1.30 months for businesses to clear shelves, up from 1.27 months in January.

business inventories, Commerce Department, economic growth, GDP, retail