US wholesale inventories plunge by largest amount in 16 years
The government says US wholesalers cut back on their inventories in December by the largest amount in 16 years, as companies slashed stockpiles amid the deepening recession.
By Agencies |
WASHINGTON: The government says US wholesalers cut back on their inventories in December by the largest amount in 16 years, as companies slashed stockpiles amid the deepening recession.
The reduction means wholesalers ordered fewer new goods, leading to reduced production and potentially more job layoffs.
The Commerce Department says wholesale inventories fell 1.4 percent, nearly double analysts' expectations of 0.8 percent. It also was the fourth straight monthly decline.
Sales at the wholesale level dropped 3.6 percent, slightly steeper than analysts' expectations, but less than November's record 7.3 percent drop.
The reduction means wholesalers ordered fewer new goods, leading to reduced production and potentially more job layoffs.
The Commerce Department says wholesale inventories fell 1.4 percent, nearly double analysts' expectations of 0.8 percent. It also was the fourth straight monthly decline.
Sales at the wholesale level dropped 3.6 percent, slightly steeper than analysts' expectations, but less than November's record 7.3 percent drop.
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