Tag Archive for ‘eye on the economy’

Eye on the Economy: Slow Progress after a Tough Quarter

The overall economy slowed at the start of 2014, which took a toll on housing and economic activity. According to the Bureau of Economic of Analysis, real GDP contracted at a 1% seasonally adjusted annual rate during the first quarter. Growth would have been slightly positive absent a decline in business inventory investment. However, this drawdown sets the stage for… Read More ›

Eye on the Economy: Home Improvement Season

After a weak performance for the economy as a whole during the first quarter, spring is a time for improvements – for homes and the overall housing market. May is National Home Remodeling Month, and NAHB has useful data for remodelers who want to know why home owners are undertaking improvements, as well as the most common types. Among remodelers participating… Read More ›

Eye on the Economy: Mixed Signals as Spring Data Bloom

With the unseasonably cold winter now finally over, the spring home building and selling season has begun. Economic data thus far presents mixed news. For example, new home sales disappointed for the month of March. The U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development reported that March new home sales were down 14.5% in March to a… Read More ›

Eye on the Economy: Existing Home Sales Down, New Home Sales Flat

In many parts of the country, spring began with winter-like conditions persisting. Without a doubt, unseasonably cold temperatures reduced economic activity during the first quarter of 2014, including home sales and construction. However, housing demand also weakened due to recent changes on the demand side of the market. Such changes can be seen in the contrasting data concerning new and… Read More ›

Eye on the Economy: February Construction Holds Steady

As the unusually cold winter continued in many parts of the country, March builder confidence remained steady. The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index came in at a level of 47, one point lower from February’s 46. Ongoing weather challenges and increasing concern among builders about supply chain issues have held builder confidence down in recent months. Census reported housing construction… Read More ›