Total Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices Inventories/Sales Ratio
R42IRSM163SCEN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
1.30
Year-over-Year Change
-3.70%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 6/1/2025
Summary
This economic indicator tracks the ratio of inventories to sales for merchant wholesalers, excluding manufacturers' sales branches and offices. It provides insights into inventory management and demand trends in the wholesale trade 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
The inventories/sales ratio represents the relationship between the value of goods held in inventory and the value of goods sold. It is a key measure of supply chain efficiency and can signal shifts in consumer demand or production planning.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of merchant wholesalers by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Policymakers and analysts monitor this ratio to assess the health of the wholesale trade industry and broader economic conditions.
Key Facts
- The data is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau.
- The ratio typically rises during economic slowdowns as sales decline faster than inventories.
- Wholesalers aim to maintain an optimal inventories/sales ratio to balance supply and demand.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This indicator tracks the ratio of inventories to sales for merchant wholesalers, excluding manufacturers' sales branches and offices. It provides insights into inventory management and demand trends in the wholesale trade sector.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: The inventories/sales ratio is a key measure of supply chain efficiency and can signal shifts in consumer demand or production planning. Policymakers and analysts monitor this ratio to assess the health of the wholesale trade industry and broader economic conditions.
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: Policymakers and analysts monitor this ratio to assess the health of the wholesale trade industry and broader economic conditions. It can provide insights into inventory management, supply chain efficiency, and shifts in consumer demand.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau, with a short lag between the reference period and publication.
Related Trends
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Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Lumber and Other Construction Materials Inventories/Sales Ratio
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Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts and Supplies Inventories
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Total Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices Inventories/Sales Ratio (R42IRSM163SCEN), retrieved from FRED.