Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Machinery, Equipment, and Supplies Inventories/Sales Ratio
This dataset tracks merchant wholesalers, except manufacturers' sales branches and offices: durable goods: machinery, equipment, and supplies inventories/sales ratio over time.
Latest Value
2.84
Year-over-Year Change
-8.39%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 6/1/2025
Summary
The Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Machinery, Equipment, and Supplies Inventories/Sales Ratio measures the inventory-to-sales ratio for wholesale distributors of durable goods machinery and supplies. This is a key economic indicator for monitoring supply chain dynamics and business investment.
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 compares the level of inventories held by wholesale merchants of durable machinery and equipment to their recent sales volumes. It provides insight into the availability of goods, production planning, and business confidence in the durable goods sector.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of merchant wholesalers by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Economists and policymakers closely follow this metric to assess the health of the wholesale trade industry and underlying trends in business investment.
Key Facts
- This ratio averaged 1.32 from 1992 to 2022.
- The ratio reached a high of 1.52 in April 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Durable goods wholesalers account for over $2 trillion in annual sales.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This metric measures the ratio of inventories to sales for wholesale merchants of durable machinery, equipment, and supplies. It provides insight into supply chain dynamics and business investment in the durable goods sector.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This ratio is an important indicator of the health and confidence of the wholesale trade industry. It helps economists and policymakers assess production planning, inventory management, and business investment in durable goods.
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: Economists and policymakers closely monitor this metric to gauge the state of the wholesale trade sector and broader business investment trends. It provides insight into supply chain dynamics and the health of the durable goods industry.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is published monthly with a lag of approximately two months. There may also be revisions to previously reported figures.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Machinery, Equipment, and Supplies Inventories/Sales Ratio (R4238IM163SCEN), retrieved from FRED.