November business inventories rose 0.4 percent vs. 1.2 percent increase in sales

Business inventories in the U.S. rose 0.4% in November after no change in the prior month, while sales jumped 1.2%. The ratio of inventories to sales, meanwhile, fell to 1.33 from 1.34. One year ago, the inventory-to-sales ratio was higher at 1.40, reflecting an excessive buildup in production not matched by sales. Now companies appear to have a better handle on inventories.

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