The U.S. Commerce Department released the business inventories data on Friday. The U.S. business inventories rose 0.3% in September, beating expectations for a flat reading, after a 0.1% gain in August. August's figure was revised up from a flat reading.

Retail inventories climbed 0.8% in September, wholesale inventories were up 0.5%, while manufacturing inventories fell 0.4%.

Both business and retail sales were flat in September.

The business inventories/sales ratio climbed to 1.38 months in September from 1.37 months in August. It was the highest ratio since May 2009. The business inventories /sales ratio is a measure of how long it would take to clear shelves.