by Mish
The Census Bureau revised April from -0.5% to -0.4%. Thus, for the quarter so far, inventories are flat. Sales are another matter.
Sales and Inventories by Category
Petroleum is the big driver for declining nondurable goods sales.
Auto sales represent channel stuffing by manufacturers to dealers, accounting for the big boost in automotive sales in April.
Inventory to Sales Ratio
Mike “Mish” Shedlock
