Eye on business

The Commerce Department releases its monthly tally of U.S. business inventories today.

After rising 0.5 percent in June, business stockpiles increased at a slower 0.2 percent pace in July. Economists expect that the latest data will show inventories grew in August by 0.6 percent. When businesses increase stockpiles, it is generally seen as a sign of confidence that sales will increase in the coming months.