Summary Box: Market edges higher after drop in inventories, rise in sales signals demand is up

Summary Box: Stocks rise after inventories fall

GOOD NEWS, MODEST MOVES: The Dow Jones industrial average tacked on only 3 points Wednesday after the government said that inventories at wholesalers fell in January while sales rose. That suggests that demand is strengthening.

ALL’S QUIET: The Dow has risen 15 points in two days. The modest moves are a sign that the improved economic numbers are already factored in to stock prices.

TOO QUIET: Some traders are concerned that small moves and light trading volume will let investors become complacent.