The December Supply Chain Index from Cortera provides additional evidence that retailers were cautious in their 2009 holiday inventory strategies, resulting in less debt and better cash positions. The monthly index measures accounts receivable activities among manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers, retailers, services, and transportation companies.
The December results were largely consistent with levels from November 2009, marking the second consecutive month of conditions historically seen in the months following a holiday shopping season but rarely seen during peak shopping months.