US wholesale stockpiles rise in August, but sales fall
By JOSH BOAK, Associated Press
Oct 9, 2015 9:00 AM CDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Cheaper oil and less demand for autos and machinery weighed on wholesalers in August, as their inventories edged up just slightly while sales dropped.

The Commerce Department says wholesale stockpiles rose 0.1 percent, and sales fell 1 percent. Sales have slid 4.7 percent over the past 12 months. Inventories have increased 4.1 percent.

Falling oil prices account for much of the declining sales.

Oil inventories — which are measured in dollars — plummeted 4.6 percent in August and 36.6 percent over the past 12 months. Sales of autos and machinery also slipped, but rising inventories for equipment suggest that wholesalers still see ongoing demand heading into end of the year.

Wholesale inventories are at a seasonally adjusted $583.9 billion, 4.1 percent above a year ago.