Business Inventories measures the monthly change in the dollar value of unsold goods held by manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. It is a vital component of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as it reflects the balance between production and consumption. A steady increase in inventories might signal business confidence in future demand, whereas an involuntary buildup could indicate a slowing economy. Analysts use this data to gauge the pace of economic growth and potential shifts in consumer spending patterns.
The data is compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau through surveys of manufacturing, merchant wholesale, and retail trade firms. It is calculated as the percentage change in the total value of inventories from the previous month, adjusted for seasonal variations.
| Date | Actual | Forecast | Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 31, 2026 | -0.20 | — | — |
| Jun 2, 2026 | 0.70 | — | — |
| Mar 2, 2026 | -0.10 | — | — |
| Dec 1, 2025 | -0.90 | — | — |
| Sep 1, 2025 | 0.10 | — | — |
| Jun 3, 2025 | 0.80 | 0.20 | +0.60 |
| Mar 3, 2025 | 0.10 | 0.00 | +0.10 |
| Dec 2, 2024 | -0.90 | -0.20 | -0.70 |
| Sep 2, 2024 | 0.10 | -0.50 | +0.60 |
| Jun 4, 2024 | 1.30 | — | — |
| Mar 4, 2024 | -1.70 | — | — |
| Date | First print | Current | Revision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2, 2026 | 0.50 | 0.70 | +0.20 ↑ |
