This indicator measures the quarterly change in the total value of unsold goods, including raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished products held by manufacturers. It is a key component of GDP calculations, as an increase in inventories contributes positively to growth in the short term but may signal a slowdown in future production if demand weakens. Conversely, a decrease in inventories often suggests that sales are outpacing production, potentially leading to increased manufacturing activity in the coming months.
The value is calculated by surveying a representative sample of industrial firms to determine the book value of their stocks at the end of the quarter compared to the previous quarter.
| Date | Actual | Forecast | Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 25, 2026 | -4.60 | -1.80 | -2.80 |
| May 26, 2026 | 11.67 | -1.40 | +13.07 |
| Nov 21, 2025 | 3.46 | 1.50 | +1.96 |
| Aug 22, 2025 | 1.96 | -2.30 | +4.26 |
| May 23, 2025 | 8.71 | -1.70 | +10.41 |
| Feb 21, 2025 | -6.14 | -3.60 | -2.54 |
| Nov 28, 2024 | 1.82 | -1.50 | +3.32 |
| Aug 28, 2024 | -2.39 | 3.80 | -6.19 |
| May 24, 2024 | -4.60 | -1.20 | -3.40 |
| Feb 20, 2024 | 2.00 | -2.30 | +4.30 |
| Nov 20, 2023 | -8.70 | 2.90 | -11.60 |
| Aug 21, 2023 | 5.90 | — | — |
| May 17, 2023 | -0.20 | — | — |
| Feb 20, 2023 | 0.60 | — | — |
| Nov 18, 2022 | 6.00 | — | — |
| Aug 18, 2022 | 1.20 | — | — |
| May 18, 2022 | 4.20 | — | — |
| Feb 17, 2022 | 0.80 | — | — |
| Nov 16, 2021 | -5.00 | — | — |
