Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods Inventories/Sales Ratio
R423IRM163SCEN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
1.66
Year-over-Year Change
-7.26%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 6/1/2025
Summary
The Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods Inventories/Sales Ratio measures the ratio of inventory to sales for wholesale durable goods businesses. This metric provides insight into inventory management and demand trends in the wholesale durable goods sector.
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 relationship between durable goods inventories and sales for merchant wholesale businesses, excluding manufacturers' sales branches and offices. It offers insights into wholesale market conditions, inventory strategies, and expectations around future demand.
Methodology
The data is calculated by the U.S. Census Bureau using monthly surveys of merchant wholesale businesses.
Historical Context
Policymakers and analysts monitor this ratio to gauge the health of the wholesale durable goods sector and its implications for the broader economy.
Key Facts
- The ratio reached a high of 1.37 in April 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Durable goods inventories represent physical goods with a lifespan of at least 3 years.
- Wholesale businesses use this ratio to optimize inventory levels and cash flow.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods Inventories/Sales Ratio measures the relationship between durable goods inventories and sales for wholesale businesses, excluding manufacturers' sales branches and offices.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This ratio provides insight into inventory management strategies and demand trends in the wholesale durable goods sector, which is an important part of the broader economy.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is calculated by the U.S. Census Bureau using monthly surveys of merchant wholesale businesses.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and analysts monitor this ratio to gauge the health of the wholesale durable goods sector and its implications for the broader economy.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is published monthly with a typical 1-2 month lag, and may be subject to revisions.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods Inventories/Sales Ratio (R423IRM163SCEN), retrieved from FRED.