US businesses increased stockpiles 0.4 percent

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP-EXCITE

By MARTIN CRUTSINGER

WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. businesses boosted their stockpiles in February as sales rebounded by the largest amount in nine months.

Stockpiles increased 0.4 percent in February following a similar 0.4 percent increase in January, the Commerce Department reported Monday. Sales rose 0.8 percent in February, bouncing back after a 1.1 percent sales decline in January that was blamed on the harsh weather that month. It was the biggest one-month sales gain since last May.

A separate report showed a surge in sales at the retail level in March, providing support to the view that stronger consumer spending in coming months will encourage businesses to restock their shelves and provide a boost to the economy.

While the economy slowed in the January-March quarter, many economists are looking for a strong rebound in the current quarter.

FULL story at link.


Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20140414/DAD5URBO0.html

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In this May 22, 2013 photo, Kenneth Paull works on a machine at Dokka Fasteners in Auburn Hills, Mich. The Commerce Department will report on business stockpiles for February 2014 on Monday, April 14, 2014. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

[ErikJ]

1. Bigger tax refunds this year, but those are going away next year

The payroll tax went back up this tax year 2014. Good old Reagan doubled it in the 80's while slashing taxes on the rich.