Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Metals and Minerals, Except Petroleum Inventories/Sales Ratio
R4235IM163SCEN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
2.17
Year-over-Year Change
-3.56%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 6/1/2025
Summary
The Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Metals and Minerals, Except Petroleum Inventories/Sales Ratio measures the relationship between inventories and sales for this wholesale sector.
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 ratio provides insight into the supply and demand dynamics of the metals and minerals wholesale industry, excluding petroleum. Economists use it to gauge inventory management, economic conditions, and future production and sales trends.
Methodology
The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Policymakers and analysts monitor this ratio to understand broader economic and industrial activity.
Key Facts
- The ratio has a long-term average of around 1.30.
- Durable goods make up about 40% of total wholesale inventories.
- Metals and minerals are a key input for many manufacturing industries.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This indicator measures the ratio of inventories to sales for the merchant wholesalers of durable goods in the metals and minerals sector, excluding petroleum.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This ratio provides insights into inventory management, supply and demand dynamics, and the overall health of the metals and minerals wholesale industry, which is an important input for many manufacturing sectors.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected and calculated monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and analysts monitor this ratio to understand broader economic and industrial activity, as well as to make informed decisions about monetary and fiscal policies.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released monthly with a lag of approximately two months.
Related Trends
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Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Inventories/Sales Ratio
R4242IM163SCEN
Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Miscellaneous Durable Goods Inventories/Sales Ratio
R4239IM163SCEN
Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Professional and Commercial Equipment and Supplies Sales
S4234SM144SCEN
Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Beer, Wine, and Distilled Alcoholic Beverages Sales
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Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods Inventories
I424IMM144SCEN
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Metals and Minerals, Except Petroleum Inventories/Sales Ratio (R4235IM163SCEN), retrieved from FRED.