Economy: Page 96
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Fed officials hint interest rates likely stable – for now
Analysts are reacting to news of a shrinking economy with predictions of a delayed short-term rate hike.
By Sharon O'Malley • June 3, 2015 -
Deep Dive
The neglected bellwether of industry stability: Fluctuating number of construction firms
The count has failed to rebound strongly since the steep recession dip, leaving many to question the progress of construction's recovery.
By Emily Peiffer • June 3, 2015 -
Explore the Trendline➔
Permission granted by Associated General Contractors of America
TrendlineLabor
A roundup of articles about issues affecting the workforce.
By Construction Dive staff -
Construction spending skyrockets to 6-year high
Economists are looking to the sector to help the overall economy rebound.
By Sharon O'Malley • June 2, 2015 -
AGC: Volatile construction employment numbers reflect shaky industry recovery
30 states added construction jobs during April, up from only 19 in March.
By Emily Peiffer • May 27, 2015 -
Climbing home prices elicit concerns of another bubble
An economist said prices have historically increased about 1% each year, but the current rate is four times faster.
By Deborah Barrington • May 27, 2015 -
Mortgage applications slip for 5th consecutive week
The Mortgage Bankers Association also reported interest rates continued their slow rise.
By Emily Peiffer • May 27, 2015 -
Fed likely to delay interest rate hike, minutes reveal
Analysts now predict the federal increase, which would affect mortgage rates, will occur later this year or in early 2016.
By Emily Peiffer • May 21, 2015 -
Mortgage applications wane as interest rates climb
The Mortage Bankers Association's report Wednesday offered a less optimistic picture of the housing market's current state.
By Emily Peiffer • May 20, 2015 -
Dow, S&P rise following lackluster NAHB builder confidence results
Economists point to the unexpected drop in optimism as one more reason for the Fed to delay its interest rate hike.
By Emily Peiffer • May 19, 2015 -
Strong dollar weakens foreign thirst for US real estate
Russians and Canadians could lose big when it comes to currency conversions.
By Deborah Barrington • May 19, 2015 -
April housing starts exceed expectations, soar to 7-year high
Building permits also saw a bump, indicating a positive future for the industry.
By Emily Peiffer • May 19, 2015 -
NAHB builder confidence index unexpectedly dips
Experts attribute the results to consumers' delayed entrance into the market, but remain optimistic about Q2.
By Emily Peiffer • May 18, 2015 -
Deep Dive
Nailed it: Construction employment helps fuel economy
The industry added 45,000 positions in April—among the highest number of additions across all sectors.
By Sharon O'Malley • May 12, 2015 -
NE leads among states posting unemployment rate declines
In 41 states, fewer in the industry are out of work than a year ago.
By Sharon O'Malley • May 7, 2015 -
Can housing revitalize U.S. economy?
Some are looking to residential construction to improve on the current stagnant growth.
By Sharon O'Malley • April 30, 2015 -
Student debt hinders likelihood of owning a home by 12%
Goldman Sachs found that for some young adults, the lack of a college degree makes them more likely to become homeowners.
By Sharon O'Malley • April 22, 2015 -
Nearly 1M homeowners driven to foreclosure now eligible to purchase again
Still, millions more have not been able to repair their credit a decade after they lost their properties, the NAR found.
By Sharon O'Malley • April 20, 2015 -
Economists baffled as housing starts continue to flounder
Builder optimism so far hasn’t translated into residential construction growth.
By Sharon O'Malley • April 17, 2015 -
Fed's Beige Book shows steady or slightly improving construction activity
Boston reported the highest demand for commercial building by foreign investors and one of the fastest-growing economies.
By Sharon O'Malley • April 15, 2015 -
Building supplies sales spike in March
A slight overall rebound in consumer buying could solidify chances for a 2015 interest rate hike.
By Sharon O'Malley • April 15, 2015 -
Foreclosures take a nosedive
Nearly half of all declining activity in February occurred in just five states.
By Sharon O'Malley • April 15, 2015 -
NAHB updates report on 'typical' impact of local homebuilding
In one year, residential construction can generate $28.7 million in income for the community and create 394 jobs.
By Sharon O'Malley • April 9, 2015 -
Rising value of U.S. dollar could delay Fed's interest rate increase
A decision to wait would keep the cost of home mortgages lower, and possibly translate into greater sales.
By Sharon O'Malley • April 7, 2015 -
Job creation tanks in March, ending industry's 14-month streak
Employment losses occurred mostly in the residential and public works sectors.
By Sharon O'Malley • April 6, 2015 -
Construction spending slides downward for 2nd month
The poor showing could depress overall first-quarter economic growth.
By Sharon O'Malley • April 2, 2015