Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Miscellaneous Durable Goods Inventories/Sales Ratio
R4239IM163SCEN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
1.48
Year-over-Year Change
-8.64%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 6/1/2025
Summary
The Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Miscellaneous Durable Goods Inventories/Sales Ratio tracks the inventory-to-sales ratio in the durable goods wholesale trade sector, providing insights into supply chain dynamics and economic conditions.
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 indicator measures the ratio of inventories to sales for a broad category of durable goods wholesalers, excluding manufacturers' sales branches and offices. It offers a window into the inventory management strategies and sales performance of businesses involved in the wholesale distribution of durable consumer and capital goods.
Methodology
The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Census Bureau based on monthly surveys of merchant wholesalers.
Historical Context
Economists and policymakers monitor this ratio to assess inventory levels, anticipate production and investment trends, and gauge the health of the broader economy.
Key Facts
- The series dates back to 1992.
- Durable goods include items like machinery, equipment, and household appliances.
- A high ratio indicates excess inventory levels relative to sales.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This indicator tracks the ratio of inventories to sales for a broad category of durable goods wholesalers, providing insights into supply chain dynamics and inventory management strategies.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: The inventory-to-sales ratio is a valuable metric for economists and policymakers to assess the health of the wholesale trade sector, anticipate production and investment trends, and gauge the broader economic conditions.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Census Bureau based on monthly surveys of merchant wholesalers.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and analysts monitor this ratio to better understand inventory management strategies, supply chain dynamics, and the overall state of the economy, which can inform decisions and policies.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released on a monthly basis, but there may be a lag of several weeks between the reference period and the publication of the latest figures.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Miscellaneous Durable Goods Inventories/Sales Ratio (R4239IM163SCEN), retrieved from FRED.