Marginal growth manufacturers' stocks of finished products

Manufacturers’ stocks of finished products were nearly 2 percent up in December 2012 from December 2011. In the preceding four months, stocks had declined compared to twelve months previously. The figures have been adjusted for price changes.

Stocks of finished products in manufacturing industry (volume)

Stocks of finished products in manufacturing industry (volume)

Manufacturers more optimistic about their stocks in February

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 have improved in February. Manufacturers defining their stocks as too large have outnumbered those defining their stocks as too small for nearly two years now, but the gap is closing.

Opinions on stocks of finished products

Opinions on stocks of finished products

For more information on economic indicators, see the Economic Monitor.