US Business Inventories Rise the Most in Nearly 4 Years

US business inventories rose by 0.9% month-over-month in March 2026, following a 0.4% increase in February and slightly above market expectations of a 0.8% advance. This marked the strongest increase in stocks since June 2022, mainly on account of merchant wholesalers (1.3% vs 0.9% in February). Inventories also went up for manufacturers (0.6% vs 0.1%) and retailers (0.6 vs 0%). On a yearly basis, business inventories grew by 2% in March.

US business inventories rose by 0.4% month-over-month in February 2026, after a revised flat reading in January, slightly above the market consensus of a 0.3% increase. This marked the strongest gain since January 2025, driven by a sharp rebound in inventories at merchant wholesale inventories (0.8% vs -0.3%). Stocks also increased for retailers (0.2% vs 0.3%) and manufacturers (0.1% vs 0.1%). On a yearly basis, total business inventories went up by 1.3% in February.

US business inventories edged down by 0.1% month-over-month in January 2026, after a revised flat reading in December, defying analysts' forecasts of a 0.1% rise. Stocks declined at merchant wholesalers (-0.5% vs -0.1% in December), more than offsetting increases for retailers (0.3% vs 0.1%) and manufacturers (0.1% vs 0.1%). On a yearly basis, total business inventories advanced by 1%.