Inventory Sentiment

The ISM Non-Manufacturing Inventory Sentiment Index in December registered 61.5 percent, which is 1.5 percentage points higher than the 60 percent reported in November. This indicates that respondents believe their inventories are too high at this time. In December, 25 percent of respondents said their inventories were too high, 2 percent said their inventories were too low, and 73 percent said their inventories were about right.

The seven industries reporting a feeling that their inventories are too high in December — listed in order — are: Other Services; Wholesale Trade; Health Care & Social Assistance; Utilities; Finance & Insurance; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; and Accommodation & Food Services. The only industry reporting that inventories are too low in December is Retail Trade.