David Logan

Building Materials Prices Climb as Concrete, Transformer Shortages Persist

According to the latest Producer Price Index report, the prices of inputs to residential construction less energy (i.e., building materials) climbed 0.3% in March 2023 (not seasonally adjusted). Since declining the last four months of 2022, the index has increased three consecutive months by a total of 1.6% but has been relatively stable over the past…

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Nonrevolving Debt Increases as Auto Loan Rates Surge

According to the Federal Reserve’s latest G.19 Consumer Credit report, total consumer credit outstanding totaled $4.78 trillion in February, a decrease of $12 billion over the month but $300 billion higher than February 2022. Nonevolving credit outstanding increased $1.0 billion while the level of revolving debt—primarily credit card debt—fell $13.0 billion over the month. Revolving debt…

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Concrete Products Lead Building Materials Prices Higher

After four consecutive declines, the producer price index (PPI) for inputs to residential construction less energy (i.e., building materials) rose 0.3% in February 2023 (not seasonally adjusted) follow a 1.1% increase in January (revised), according to the latest PPI report. Price growth of goods inputs to residential construction, including energy, gained 0.4% over the month. Prices…

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Use of Residential Energy Tax Credits Increases

In 2005, Congress established several energy-efficiency tax incentives related to housing that benefit new-home buyers and remodeling homeowners. These policies included the tax code section 25C credit for retrofitting/remodeling existing homes, and the 25D credit for the installation of power production property in new and existing homes. Taxpayers claim these residential energy credits using Form…

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