Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Machinery, Equipment, and Supplies Inventories
I4238IM144SCEN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
154,349.00
Year-over-Year Change
-2.37%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 6/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend tracks inventories held by merchant wholesalers of durable goods, specifically machinery, equipment, and supplies. It provides insight into the supply chain and production capacity in the U.S. economy.
Analysis & Context
This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.
Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.
About This Dataset
The Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Machinery, Equipment, and Supplies Inventories metric measures the dollar value of inventories held by wholesalers of machinery, equipment, and related durable goods. This data point is used by economists to assess business investment, production, and economic growth.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of merchant wholesalers by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Inventory levels are closely watched by policymakers and analysts as indicators of economic conditions and future production.
Key Facts
- Inventories of machinery and equipment represent a significant portion of total business inventories.
- Wholesaler inventory levels can signal changes in production and capital investment plans.
- Inventory data is an important input for economic models and forecasts.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the dollar value of inventories held by merchant wholesalers of durable goods, specifically machinery, equipment, and supplies.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: Inventory levels of machinery and equipment provide insight into production capacity, business investment, and broader economic conditions.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of merchant wholesalers conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Inventory data is closely monitored by policymakers and analysts as an indicator of economic activity and future production plans.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The inventory data is released monthly with a lag of approximately two months.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Machinery, Equipment, and Supplies Inventories (I4238IM144SCEN), retrieved from FRED.