Business Inventories Rise in December

Washington, DC, Feb. 14, 2012 — U.S. business inventories rose 0.4% in December to $1.56 trillion, the Commerce Department said Tuesday.

That was slightly weaker than the 0.5% gain estimated by economists.

However, sales climbed 0.7%, the most since July.

Inventory replenishment, which helped the economy grow last quarter at the fastest pace in more than a year, may extend into this year as growing employment spurs consumer purchases.