Merchant Wholesalers: Inventories to Sales Ratio
This dataset tracks merchant wholesalers: inventories to sales ratio over time.
Latest Value
1.30
Year-over-Year Change
-2.99%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 5/1/2025
Summary
The Merchant Wholesalers: Inventories to Sales Ratio measures the relationship between wholesale inventory levels and sales, providing insight 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 ratio compares the total value of wholesale inventories to the total value of wholesale sales, offering a snapshot of inventory management and demand in the wholesale trade sector. It is a key indicator used by economists and policymakers to assess economic activity and inventory investment.
Methodology
The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Census Bureau through monthly surveys of merchant wholesalers.
Historical Context
The Inventories to Sales Ratio is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve and other institutions to gauge inflationary pressures and anticipate changes in economic growth.
Key Facts
- The ratio reached a record high of 1.47 in April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- A higher ratio indicates slower sales relative to inventory levels, which can signal economic slowdown.
- The long-term average for the ratio is around 1.20.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Merchant Wholesalers: Inventories to Sales Ratio measures the relationship between wholesale inventory levels and sales, providing insight into supply chain dynamics and economic conditions.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: The Inventories to Sales Ratio is a key indicator used by economists and policymakers to assess economic activity and inventory investment, helping to gauge inflationary pressures and anticipate changes in economic growth.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected and calculated by the U.S. Census Bureau through monthly surveys of merchant wholesalers.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: The Inventories to Sales Ratio is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve and other institutions to gauge inflationary pressures and anticipate changes in economic growth.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau, with some potential for slight delays in publication.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Merchant Wholesalers: Inventories to Sales Ratio (WHLSLRIRSA), retrieved from FRED.