Industry rebuilds stock inventory gains point to strength
U S industry began rebuilding inventory stockpiles in January, with manufacturers driving a 1.1 percent overall rise and a $4.5 billion added in goods and materials. Commerce economist William Cox described the gain as a sign of economic strength and confidence, noting it signals potential increases in industrial production despite high rates. The inventory-to-sales ratio fell to 1.36, the lowest on record, as sales rose 1.9 percent in January and 1.1 percent in December.