Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Beer, Wine, and Distilled Alcoholic Beverages Inventories/Sales Ratio
R4248IM163SCEN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
1.68
Year-over-Year Change
5.66%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 6/1/2025
Summary
The Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Beer, Wine, and Distilled Alcoholic Beverages Inventories/Sales Ratio measures the inventory-to-sales ratio for beer, wine, and distilled spirits wholesalers, providing insight into supply chain dynamics.
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 economic indicator tracks the ratio of inventories to sales for wholesale merchants dealing in beer, wine, and distilled alcoholic beverages. It offers analysts a gauge of inventory management and demand in this crucial consumer goods sector.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of merchant wholesalers by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
The inventory-to-sales ratio is closely watched by policymakers and industry analysts to assess economic conditions and consumer spending patterns.
Key Facts
- The ratio has ranged from 1.15 to 1.45 over the past decade.
- Alcoholic beverage wholesalers hold some of the highest inventory levels among nondurable goods merchants.
- The indicator provides insight into supply chain resilience and consumer demand trends.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This indicator tracks the ratio of inventories to sales for wholesale merchants dealing in beer, wine, and distilled alcoholic beverages. It offers a gauge of inventory management and demand in this consumer goods sector.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: The inventory-to-sales ratio is closely watched by policymakers and industry analysts to assess economic conditions and consumer spending patterns in the alcoholic beverage industry.
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: The inventory-to-sales ratio provides insights into supply chain dynamics and consumer demand that are relevant for economic policymakers and market analysts.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is published monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau with a typical release lag of several weeks.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Beer, Wine, and Distilled Alcoholic Beverages Inventories/Sales Ratio (R4248IM163SCEN), retrieved from FRED.