Articles

Personal income increased $94.5 billion (0.4 percent at a monthly rate) in September, according to estimates released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Disposable personal income (DPI)—personal income less personal current taxes—increased $75.9 billion (0.3 percent) and personal consumption expenditures (PCE) increased $65.1 billion (0.3 percent). Read More

Majority-owned U.S. affiliates of foreign multinational enterprises employed 8.66 million workers in the United States in 2023, a 1.9 percent increase from 8.5 million workers in 2022, according to statistics on U.S. affiliate operations and finances released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Read More

In the week ending November 29, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 191,000, a decrease of 27,000 from the previous week's revised level, according to the Department of Labor. This is the lowest level for initial claims since September 24, 2022 when it was 189,000.  Read More

The International Surface Event (TISE), North America's largest gathering for residential flooring, stone and tile professionals, delivers an experience featuring the latest products, trends and technologies that are shaping the future of the industry. The 2026 expo will be held January 27 to 29 (education January 26 to 29) at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Read More

Mohawk Group has announced the launch of M-Power Rewards, its brand-new loyalty and rewards program built exclusively for its commercial flooring contractor partners. Designed to replace the current Bonus Bucks Rewards program, M-Power Rewards focuses on delivering greater value, flexibility, and incredible perks to dealers who invest in Mohawk products. Read More

I4F, a group of companies providing patents and technologies to the global flooring industry, has purchased Beaulieu International Group’s (B.I.G.) portfolio of rigid-core and LVT patents.  Read More

Mortgage applications decreased 1.4% from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending November 28, 2025. This week’s results include an adjustment for the Thanksgiving holiday. Read More

Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) recently introduced the Supporting American Wood And Mill Infrastructure With Loans For Longevity (SAWMILL) ACT alongside Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL) to permanently reauthorize the Timber Production Expansion Guaranteed Loan Program (TPEP), reports Hardware + Building Supply Dealer. Read More

In a time defined by social shifts, accelerating technology and a growing demand for more livable environments, ceramic surfaces have emerged as a leading material in contemporary spaces. Available in a wide array of formats, textures and finishes, ceramics have become a narrative medium that beautifully captures the evolving ways we experience and shape our environments. Beyond its technical purpose, ceramic tile also takes on an expressive role, connecting a space’s identity with values such as material honesty, circular ethics as well as memory and sensory exploration.  From wall and floor tiles to decorative accent pieces, ceramics invite homeowners and designers to experiment with a surface that converges artisanal tradition, technological innovation and creative vision. Read More

With autumn in full swing, it’s not only the temperature that changes, but our habits shift as well. As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, we naturally begin to spend more time at home, leading to a desire to create warm, cozy spaces that we actually enjoy spending time in. The materials we choose play a key role in setting the mood, which is why Spanish ceramics stand out as an ideal option thanks to their various visual and technical qualities. Read More