American shoppers dialed it back in April after spending at the fastest pace in almost five years. Household purchases unexpectedly fell 0.1 percent, the first decrease in a year, after a 1 percent gain the prior month that was the …
Read More »Amanda Bell
Manufacturing Expands at a Slower Rate
Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in May for the 12th consecutive month, and the overall economy grew for the 60th consecutive month, say the nation’s supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report on Business. To find out …
Read More »Group Recommends Federal Incentives For State Building Code Improvements
Federal disaster policy should shift focus toward mitigation in order to reduce future disaster costs, the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies says. The industry group recommends that the federal government create incentives for states to adopt and enforce strong …
Read More »New Home Loan Rates Remain Stable
The average characteristics of conventional mortgages used to buy newly built homes were little changed in April, according to data released earlier today by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). The average contract interest rate declined a scant 2 basis points to 4.19 percent, while …
Read More »No Change in Builder Confidence
Builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes in May fell one point to 45 from a downwardly revised April reading of 46 on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). Derived from a monthly …
Read More »Public Policy and Small Business: What You Need to Know
There are decisions made in Washington every day that affect small businesses in America. Here are four policy issues that you need to know. To learn more, click here.
Read More »Home Sales Increase, Along With Unsold Inventory
Existing-home sales increased for the first time this year in April, while inventory meaningfully increased and home price growth moderated, according to the National Association of Realtors. Monthly sales gains in the West and South offset a modest decline in …
Read More »Three Ways to Grow Lawn and Garden Sales This Summer
With the rush of spring planting over, homeowners may be ready to tackle another project to spruce up their lawns and gardens. Here are three ways you can get your share of sales from those customers looking to enhance their …
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