Wholesale Inventories Rise More Than Expected

Washington, DC, April 10, 2012 -- U.S. wholesale inventories rose more than predicted in February, according to the Commerce Department.

Stronger demand spurred a 0.9% increase in inventories, following a 0.6% gain in January that was more than initially estimated.

Economists expected a 0.5% rise. Sales rose 1.2% in February after no change in January.

Durable goods inventories increased 0.5%, helped by hardware and machinery. Sales of durable goods rose 0.9%.