Wholesale sales dropped slightly in April

The figures point to a a reduction of inventory that could trigger more activity in manufacturing.

Inventories fell to $405.4 billion by the end of the month, dropping 6.2 percent from a year ago. Sales fell to $309.4 billion, down 19.5 percent from a year ago.

In the automobile industry, sales fell 7.8 percent compared to March. Sales in metals and minerals fell 6.5 percent, while non-durable goods sales increased 0.8 percent.

Copyright 2009 by United Press International.