Business Inventories Highest in Over Two Years

Washington, DC, April 13, 2011 -- U.S. business inventories increased less than expected in February, the Commerce Department said.

The government said inventories rose 0.5% to $1.46 trillion, the highest level since December 2008, after increasing by an upwardly revised 1.0% in January.

Economists had forecast inventories rising 0.8% after a previously reported 0.9% increase in January.

Business sales rose 0.2% to $1.17 trillion in February, the highest level since August 2008, after rising 2.0% the prior month.