Modest increase in stocks of finished products
During the last months of 2013, manufacturers’ stocks of finished products were higher than twelve months previously. In December 2013, stocks of finished products were 0.6 percent up from December 2012. In October and November, stocks had grown by 4.5 and 1.6 percent respectively. Stock figures are adjusted for price changes.
Stocks of finished products in manufacturing industry (volume)
Manufacturers more content with their stocks in February
The Business Sentiment Survey for the Manufacturing Industry provides a first indication for further developments 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.
The mood among manufacturers with respect to the volume of their stocks improved in February. Manufacturers defining their stocks as too large have outnumbered those defining their stocks as too small for an uninterrupted period of three years now.
Opinions on stocks of finished products
For more information on economic indicators, see the Economic Monitor.