Decrease in manufacturers' stocks
Manufacturers’ stocks of finished products were more than 4 percent down in October 2012 from October 2011. In August and September, manufacturing stocks also declined compared to twelve months previously. The index stocks of finished products stood at 103.6 in October (2005=100), as against 106.1 in September.
Stocks of finished products in manufacturing industry (volume)
Manufacturers’ opinions on their stocks hardly changed
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 small (positive), normal, or too large (negative) in relation to projected sales. These results are available two months earlier than data on stocks of finished products.
Manufacturers’ opinions on their stocks hardly changed in December. Manufacturers defining their stocks as too large have outnumbered those defining their stocks as too small for more than eighteen months now.
Opinions on stocks of finished products
For more information on economic indicators, see the Economic Monitor.