Business inventories got off to a slow start in the first quarter, coming in unchanged on the month in January. A build for retailers where inventories rose 0.4 percent was offset by draws for wholesalers and manufacturers, down 0.1 percent and 0.3 percent respectively. And declines for related sales point perhaps to further inventory correction: wholesaler sales fell 1.7 percent on the month in January, retailer sales fell 1.1 percent, and manufacturer down 1.0 percent.

Business inventories in January are expected to rise 0.3 percent following a 0.4 percent rise in December that reflected a strong build for retailers.

Business inventories are the dollar amount of inventories held by manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. The level of inventories in relation to sales is an important indicator of the near-term direction of production activity.

Investors need to monitor the economy closely because it usually dictates how various types of investments will perform. The stock market likes to see healthy economic growth because that translates to higher corporate profits. The bond market prefers more moderate growth that won't generate inflationary pressures.

Rising inventories can be an indication of business optimism that sales will be growing in the coming months. By looking at the ratio of inventories to sales, investors can see whether production demands will expand or contract in the near future. For example, if inventory growth lags sales growth, then manufacturers will have to boost production lest commodity shortages occur. On the other hand, if unintended inventory accumulation occurs (that is, sales do not meet expectations), then production will probably have to slow while those inventories are worked down. In this manner, the business inventory data provide a valuable forward-looking tool for tracking the economy.