Articles

Construction employment, not seasonally adjusted, rose from May 2022 in 230 (64%) of the 358 metro areas (including divisions of larger metros) for which BLS posts construction employment data, fell in 79 (22%), and was unchanged in 49, according to an analysis by Associated General Contractors. Read More

Pool installations are expected to trend upward through 20271, fueled by rising disposable incomes. Though the pool industry is still recovering from its pandemic dip, pools continue to be a highly valued amenity and a great way to experience the social and health benefits they offer. Tile offers construction versatility, stunning design options and outstanding durability with less maintenance than other materials. Whether for residential or commercial use, tile pools require meticulous attention to detail for proper installation. Read More

Personal income increased $91.2 billion (0.4 percent at a monthly rate) in May. Disposable personal income (DPI)—personal income less personal current taxes— increased $86.7 billion (0.4 percent). Read More

Consumer sentiment rose 8.8% to 64.4 in June, according to final results from the University of Michigan Survey of Consumers. This represents a 28.8% increase year over year. Read More

Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 2.0 percent in the first quarter of 2023, according to the “third” estimate. In the fourth quarter of 2022, real GDP increased 2.6 percent. The GDP estimate for the first quarter was revised up 0.7 percentage point from the “second” estimate, primarily reflecting upward revisions to exports and consumer spending. Read More

Privately‐owned housing starts in May were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,631,000, 21.7% above the revised April estimate of 1,340,000 and is 5.7% above the May 2022 rate of 1,543,000, the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development jointly announced. Read More

Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes in June rose five points to 55, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). This marks the sixth straight month that builder confidence has increased and is the first time that sentiment levels have surpassed the midpoint of 50 since July 2022. Read More

Construction input prices posted a 0.6% decline in May, marking the third consecutive month of reduced costs, while nonresidential construction input prices dropped 0.5%, according to new Associated Builders and Contractors analysis. Read More

"Apartment rent growth is declining fast, shifting the rental market to the tenant’s favor for the first time in years,” reports the Wall Street Journal. Read More

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) rose 0.1% in May on a seasonally adjusted basis, after increasing 0.4% in April, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. Read More