The U.S. Commerce Department released the business inventories data on Friday. The U.S. business inventories declined 0.2% in November, missing expectations for a 0.1% fall, after a flat reading in October. It was the largest drop since September 2011.

Retail inventories climbed 0.2% in November, wholesale inventories were down 0.3%, while manufacturing inventories fell 0.3%.

Retail sales increased 0.3% in November, while business sales were up 0.2%.

The business inventories/sales ratio remained unchanged at 1.38 months in November. The business inventories /sales ratio is a measure of how long it would take to clear shelves.