Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Furniture and Home Furnishings Inventories/Sales Ratio
This dataset tracks merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers' sales branches and offices: durable goods: furniture and home furnishings inventories/sales ratio over time.
Latest Value
2.05
Year-over-Year Change
7.89%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 6/1/2025
Summary
The Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Furniture and Home Furnishings Inventories/Sales Ratio measures the ratio of inventory to sales for furniture and home furnishings wholesalers. This economic indicator provides insights into supply chain dynamics and consumer demand for these products.
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
This inventory-to-sales ratio tracks the balance between supply and demand in the wholesale furniture and home furnishings industry. Economists and analysts use this data to assess inventory management, anticipate consumer spending patterns, and evaluate the overall health of the housing and home goods sectors.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of merchant wholesalers by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Policymakers and market participants monitor this ratio to gauge economic conditions and inform decisions around fiscal, monetary, and trade policies.
Key Facts
- The ratio has averaged 1.38 over the past 10 years.
- Inventory-to-sales ratios typically rise during economic downturns.
- Furniture and home furnishings account for about 12% of total wholesale durable goods sales.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Furniture and Home Furnishings Inventories/Sales Ratio measures the relationship between inventory levels and sales for furniture and home furnishings wholesalers.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This ratio provides insights into supply chain dynamics, consumer demand, and the overall health of the housing and home goods sectors, which are important for economists, policymakers, and market participants.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of merchant wholesalers by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and market participants monitor this ratio to gauge economic conditions and inform decisions around fiscal, monetary, and trade policies.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released monthly, with a typical delay of about 6 weeks from the end of the reference period.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Furniture and Home Furnishings Inventories/Sales Ratio (R4232IM163SCEN), retrieved from FRED.