Growth manufacturing stocks remains high

Manufacturers’ stocks of finished products were nearly 12 percent higher in November 2011 than in November 2010. The increase was approximately the same as in October. Stocks of finished products have been continuously above the level of twelve months previously for almost a year now. The index stocks of finished products (2005=100) stood at 110.1 in November, versus 108.7 in October.

Stocks of finished products in manufacturing industry (volume)

Manufacturers’ opinions about their stocks deteriorated in January

The Business Sentiment Survey for the Manufacturing Industry provides a first indication for further development of the index stocks of finished products. In this survey, manufacturers are invited to define their current stocks of finished products as too large (negative), normal, or too small (positive) in relation to projected sales. These results are available two months earlier than data on stocks of finished products.

Manufacturers’ opinions on their stocks deteriorated in January. The balance of positive and negative answers was – 4 versus – 2 in December. Manufacturers considering their stocks as too large have outnumbered those considering their stocks as too small for almost a year now.

Opinions on stocks of finished products