• July inventories +0.7% vs +0.2% exp
  • No prior revisions
  • Inventory-to-sales ratio is highest since Nov 2009

The first inventory reading on the third quarter. The inventory number is a early boost to Q3 but unless sales pickup, those inventories will be drawn down.

Inventory-to-sales is seen as a leading indicator, and it’s not good but keep in mind that these numbers are from July so they’re a bit dated.