CASPER
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WASHINGTON – Inventories and sales at the wholesale level rose in August, as businesses continue to stock up and prepare for growth in the coming months.
The Commerce Department says wholesale inventories were up 0.8 percent in August, following a 1.5 percent increase the month before. Sales rose by 0.5 percent, a slightly smaller gain than the 0.8 percent rise in July.
Businesses helped drive the early stage of the recovery last year by rebuilding their inventories. Their confidence was in doubt this summer as a series of disappointing data showed them spending less.
Friday's report helps ease fears that sluggish business spending could cause the recovery to stall.
The Commerce Department says wholesale inventories were up 0.8 percent in August, following a 1.5 percent increase the month before. Sales rose by 0.5 percent, a slightly smaller gain than the 0.8 percent rise in July.
Businesses helped drive the early stage of the recovery last year by rebuilding their inventories. Their confidence was in doubt this summer as a series of disappointing data showed them spending less.
Friday's report helps ease fears that sluggish business spending could cause the recovery to stall.