Business: For Pessimists

A little jaded last week were U. S. businessmen. The thrill of seeing industrial production run ahead of corresponding months in 1929 wore off. There were some who found many an indication to justify a little pessimism, if they felt like it. Items:

> Department of Commerce's October report from nearly 3,000 wholesalers showed a 6.5% drop in volume of sales, a 6.3% drop in dollar value from September. Meanwhile, inventories (from 1,729 firms) were up 3½% (in cost value) from September, 6% from October 1938.

> October food chain sales lost their...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!