US business inventories rise more than forecast in January

US business investors rose more than expected in January as sales continued to decline, the Commerce Department revealed on Tuesday.

Inventories increased 0.1% in January, compared to analysts’ expectations for zero growth.

December’s inventories were revised down to unchanged from the 0.1% rise previously reported.

The ratio of business inventories to sales was 1.40 in January, marginally higher than 1.39 in December and the 1.36 it was 12 months ago, signalling that companies are failing to sell what they have produced.