Wholesale Inventories, Sales Rise Again in April

Washington, DC, June 9, 2010--Wholesale inventories rose for a fourth straight month in April while sales rose for a 13th consecutive time, according to the Commerce Department.

Both gains were signs pointing to a sustained economic recovery.

The government said wholesale inventories increased 0.4% last month after a 0.7% gain in March. Sales increased 0.7% in April, helped by higher demand for autos, lumber, computers and electrical equipment.

The hope is that a sustained rise in demand will prompt businesses to step up orders and restock depleted shelves. That would give a boost to factories and prompt them to increase hiring.