Eye On Housing
With the end of 2011 approaching, the contributors of NAHB’s Eye on Housing thought it would be useful to take a look at the updates that attracted the most readers over the last year. In June we examined data concerning the construction sector labor market. Comparing these numbers to those associated with the economy as a whole highlights the importance of independent contract status for… Read More ›
Tag Archive for ‘construction’
Construction Jobs Continue Slow Growth per October JOLTS Data
Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) data for October from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveal that the national economy, while sluggish, continues to trend better with respect to job openings. Total job openings for all non-farm sectors were essentially unchanged at 3.3 million. The job openings rate of 2.4% for October remains at levels last consistently experienced in 2008. The… Read More ›
PPI: Energy Prices Ease In October, But Most Residential Building Material Prices Shift Up
An easing in energy prices aided a decrease in the producer price index for finished goods (PPI) in October. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a seasonally adjusted 0.3% decline in the PPI in October, driven by a 1.4% (SA) decrease in the prices for finished energy goods. The index for finished goods has fluctuated in recent months, but has… Read More ›
Sharp Rise in Gypsum Prices Likely in New Year
Gypsum production is heavily dependent on construction industries. Approximately 90% of gypsum is used in the manufacture of wallboard for residential and non-residential building applications. A further 5% is used as an additive in cement production. The steep decline in the residential and non-residential building sectors over the past five years has greatly affected gypsum demand. Consumption of gypsum fell… Read More ›