Aggregate inventory is the total inventory at all levels, retail, wholesale and manufacturing. Sometimes, if wholesale inventories change it can change the aggregate inventory profile. This can affect the outlook of the GDP. If this occurs, a small market reaction can be elicited. Although generally, only the market economists are aware of this release.

The release often includes inventory and sales statistics that are derived from the second phase of the manufacturing process. These figures don't reflect personal consumption and therefore don't move the market. These changes do however; influence the forecast of the GDP when they change the aggregate inventory profile.