Grainger's January Sales Up 10%, Extending Trend

W.W. Grainger Inc. (GWW) posted a 10% daily sales increase in January, continuing a streak of gains that began last year. The industrial supply company is often considered a bellwether of the U.S. economy because of the breadth of its offerings, which range from lighting to janitorial products. Its results have recently improved along with the global economy, and its fourth-quarter profit beat its earlier November guidance. In January, daily sales excluding acquisitions and foreign exchange rose 8%. The month had 21 selling days, compared with 20 a year earlier. Grainger's other businesses, including a recently