Business stockpiles and sales both rose in June

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. businesses added to their stockpiles for an 18th consecutive month in June, but the increase was the smallest in more than a year. Companies may be less confident amid declining consumer demand and growing fears of a recession.

Business inventories rose 0.3 percent in June, the weakest gain since May 2010, the Commerce Department reported Friday. Total business sales rose 0.4 percent after a 0.1 percent drop in May.

The rebound in sales should help to bolster shaky business sentiment and spur further inventory restocking in coming months. A separate report Friday showed that demand at the retail level was up in July, which could help alleviate concerns …