Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Professional and Commercial Equipment and Supplies: Computer and Computer Peripheral Equipment and Software Inventories/Sales Ratio
R42343M163SCEN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
0.85
Year-over-Year Change
2.41%
Date Range
1/1/1997 - 6/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend measures the inventory-to-sales ratio for merchant wholesalers of professional and commercial equipment and computer software. It provides insight into wholesale industry dynamics and inventory management.
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
The Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Professional and Commercial Equipment and Supplies: Computer and Computer Peripheral Equipment and Software Inventories/Sales Ratio tracks the relationship between wholesale inventory levels and sales for this product category. It is used to analyze supply chain efficiency and inventory optimization.
Methodology
The data is collected through surveys of merchant wholesale businesses by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
This ratio is closely monitored by economists and policymakers for signals about consumer and business demand.
Key Facts
- The ratio peaked at 1.47 in April 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The long-term average ratio is around 1.25.
- Computer and software wholesaling accounts for over $200 billion in annual U.S. sales.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the inventory-to-sales ratio for merchant wholesalers of professional and commercial equipment, including computer and software products. It provides insight into wholesale industry dynamics and inventory management.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This ratio is closely monitored by economists and policymakers as an indicator of supply chain efficiency, consumer and business demand, and broader economic conditions.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through surveys of merchant wholesale businesses by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: This inventory-to-sales ratio is used by analysts, policymakers, and institutions to assess supply chain dynamics, inventory management, and demand in the professional and commercial equipment wholesale sector.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is published monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau with a typical 6-week lag between the reference period and release.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Professional and Commercial Equipment and Supplies: Computer and Computer Peripheral Equipment and Software Inventories/Sales Ratio (R42343M163SCEN), retrieved from FRED.