Businesses Restock at Faster Pace in January

Washington, DC, March 13, 2012 -- U.S. companies restocked more quickly in January, a sign that businesses expect stronger job growth to spur more sales, according to the Commerce Department.

The government said business stockpiles rose 0.7% in January after a 0.6% gain in December.

Sales increased 0.4% January following a 0.9% December sales gain.

The increase pushed stockpiles up to $1.57 trillion, 19.1% above the recession low hit in September 2009.