Business Inventories Rise 0.2% in June

Inventories of unsold goods at U.S. companies rose in June for a second straight month, reflecting more stockpiles of cars and clothing, a government report showed.

The 0.2% increase during the month matched May’s rise, the Commerce Department said. Sales at manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers increased 0.3% after falling 0.3% in May.

Signs of a tepid economic recovery are prompting companies to control costs, including keeping a tight rein on inventories.

The last time inventories rose in two or more months was February 1999 to January 2001, said Commerce officials.

The inventory-to-sales ratio, a measure of how long goods remain unsold, held at 1.36 months, close to a record-low 1.35 months’ worth in April.