W.W. Grainger Inc.'s (GWW) October daily sales rose 6% from a year earlier, benefiting from higher prices and sales of hurricane-related products.

The supplier of industrial goods ranging from lighting to janitorial products has generally posted increased earnings in recent quarters, aided by growing demand from businesses and institutions, such as hospitals and schools. The company is often considered a bellwether of the U.S. economy because of the breadth of its offerings. Grainger has also expanded its global footprint through acquisitions, including the Brazilian industrial-supplies distributor AnFreixo S.A. and European fastener firm Fabory Group.