Wholesale Inventories decreased by 1.4% in December to the $427.5 billion level, expected to fall by only 0.7%, after decreasing a downwardly revised 0.9% in November from an originally reported -0.6% change. Over the past year, since December 2007, inventories are up by 3.4%.  Inventories of Durable Goods decreased by 1.4% over the month, with Computer Equipment inventories decreased the most, by 6.7%, while automotive inventories are up 1.7%.  Inventories of Non-Durable Goods are down1.5% over the month, with the largest drop in Petroleum, 8.8%, although alcohol inventories are up 1.5%.  Over the year, inventories of Durable Goods increased 6.8% while inventories of Non-Durable Goods decreased by 2%.  Wholesale Sales declined by 3.6% in December to $336.1 billion. In addition, the November preliminary estimate was revised downward $0.7 billion or 0.2 percent.   Sales in Durable Goods decreased by 2% over the month and by 9.4% over the year, with the largest declinei n Automotive Sales, by 8.1% in December and by 28.3% over 2008.  Sale sin Nondurable goods decreased by 4.9% over the month and by 11.8% over  the year, as Petroleum Sales decreased by 16.4% in December and by 37.6% in 2008.The Inventory/Sales ratio is 1.27 compared to 1.25 in November and 1.10 from a year ago.
 
Upcoming Economic Releases
 
Trade Balance (02/11 at 8:30 AM EST)
Retail Sales (02/12 at 8:30 AM EST0
Initial Claims (02/12 at 8:30 AM EST)

Zacks Investment Research

Last 5 posts by Zacks Market Commentaries

• CNP & FPL Ink Pipeline Deal - Analyst Blog - November 20th, 2009
• Buffett Borrows for Rail Acquisition - Analyst Blog - November 20th, 2009
• Stone Energy Outdoes Estimates - Analyst Blog - November 20th, 2009
• Smucker's Beats, Raises Guidance - Analyst Blog - November 20th, 2009
• GameStop Meets Expectations - Analyst Blog - November 20th, 2009