The U.S. Commerce Department released the business inventories data on Tuesday. The U.S. business inventories rose 0.1% in January, exceeding expectations for a flat reading, after a 0.1% increase in December.

Retail inventories climbed 0.3% in January, wholesale inventories were up 0.3%, while manufacturing inventories decreased 0.4%.

Retail sales declined 0.3% in January, while business sales were down 0.4%.

The business inventories/sales ratio rose to 1.40 months in January from 1.39 months in December. The business inventories /sales ratio is a measure of how long it would take to clear shelves.