The U.S. Commerce Department released the business inventories data on Friday. The U.S. business inventories rose by 0.3 percent in September, in line with expectations, after a 0.1% gain in August. August's figure was revised down from a 0.2% increase.

Business sales were flat in September.

Sales by manufacturers rose 0.1%, while sales by wholesalers were up 0.6%.

The business inventories/sales ratio remained unchanged at 1.30 months in September. The business inventories /sales ratio is a measure of how long it would take to clear shelves.