Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Lumber and Other Construction Materials Inventories
T4233MM157NCEN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
-1.90
Year-over-Year Change
-575.00%
Date Range
2/1/1992 - 6/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend measures the inventory levels of durable goods, specifically lumber and other construction materials, held by merchant wholesalers. It provides insights into the supply chain dynamics and demand for building materials.
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: Lumber and Other Construction Materials Inventories trend represents the total value of inventories held by wholesale distributors of these products. It serves as an indicator of market conditions and the health of the construction industry.
Methodology
The data is collected by the U.S. Census Bureau through monthly surveys of merchant wholesalers.
Historical Context
This trend is closely watched by policymakers, economists, and construction industry analysts to assess the state of the housing market and broader economic activity.
Key Facts
- Inventories of lumber and construction materials represent a significant portion of merchant wholesalers' total durable goods holdings.
- This trend provides insight into the supply and demand dynamics in the construction industry.
- Fluctuations in this inventory metric can signal changes in housing market activity and broader economic conditions.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the inventory levels of durable goods, specifically lumber and other construction materials, held by merchant wholesalers.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This trend provides insights into the supply chain dynamics and demand for building materials, which is crucial for assessing the health of the construction industry and broader economic activity.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected by the U.S. Census Bureau through monthly surveys of merchant wholesalers.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: This trend is closely watched by policymakers, economists, and construction industry analysts to assess the state of the housing market and broader economic activity.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released on a monthly basis, with potential lags in reporting due to the survey collection process.
Related Trends
Total Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices Inventories
I42IMSM144SCEN
Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Beer, Wine, and Distilled Alcoholic Beverages Inventories
I4248IM144SCEN
Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Farm Product Raw Materials Inventories/Sales Ratio
R4245IM163SCEN
Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Professional and Commercial Equipment and Supplies Inventories
I4234IM144SCEN
Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts and Supplies Inventories
I4231IM144SCEN
Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Farm Product Raw Materials Inventories
I4245IM144SCEN
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Lumber and Other Construction Materials Inventories (T4233MM157NCEN), retrieved from FRED.