snoot...I have never understood how inventory build up shows growth...In the retail business that means you didn't sell what you bought..So as the LIFO, FIFO system goes I always said FISH...First In Still Here...Of course a retail grocer is not very smart...but when your inventory builds up, you were in trouble..Then you had to cut prices to get rid of it which meant less profit or a loss...I read one guru who says the economy is getting stronger and that in 2014 the market will rise on earnings?????