U.S. wholesale stockpiles grew 1.1 pct. in September

Washington • U.S. wholesale businesses increased their stockpiles in September at the fastest pace in nine months and their sales jumped by the largest amount in 18 months. The increases suggest the U.S. economy grew faster over the summer than first estimated.

Wholesale stockpiles grew 1.1 percent in September, the Commerce Department said Friday. That's up from a 0.8 percent increase in August, which was revised higher.

Sales at the wholesale level rose 2 percent in September. That was double the August gain and the largest increase since March 2011.

Faster inventory growth could lead the government to raise its July-September economic growth estimate slightly from the 2 percent annual rate reported last month. When businesses order more goods, it generally leads to more factory production and that boosts economic growth.

The government issued its first estimate for economic growth before knowing the September wholesale inventories figures. The growth estimate also did not include the September trade figures. On Thursday, the government said the U.S. trade deficit narrowed to its lowest level in nearly two years because exports rose to a record high.

Both reports suggest economic growth was stronger over the summer than first thought. The government issues its second estimate for third-quarter growth on Nov. 29.

Stockpiles climbed to a seasonally adjusted $494.2 billion in September, 28.4 percent above a September 2009 post-recession low. Companies typically boost stockpiles when they are optimistic sales will rise.

Economic growth slowed in the spring, in part because high unemployment and low pay increases kept U.S. consumers from spending more freely. Consumer confidence has increased sharply since then and that has translated into a rise in consumer spending, which accounts for nearly 70 percent of economic activity.

A stronger job market could also help boost growth in the final three months of the year. When more people find jobs, consumer spending typically increases.

The government reported last week that employers added 171,000 jobs in October and hiring was stronger in August and September than first thought. Job growth at that pace was an indication that the economy is strengthening but at a slow pace.