Tag Archive for ‘inflation’

Paint, Steel, and Services Prices Set Records, Drive PPI for Residential Construction Inputs Higher

The prices of goods used in residential construction ex-energy climbed 1.8% in November (not seasonally adjusted), according to the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The monthly increase was driven by price increases in nearly every product category. Building materials prices have increased 14.1% year-to-date, more than tripling the November YTD increase of… Read More ›

Consumer Confidence Falls to 7-month Low in September

Consumer confidence fell for a third consecutive month in September, as concerns about the Delta variant and higher prices continued to dampen optimism. Spending intentions for homes, cars, and major appliances all retreated. However, consumer confidence was still at a high level and the consumer price index has shown signs of easing inflation. The Consumer Confidence Index, reported by the… Read More ›

Building Materials Prices: Large Increases Year-To-Date

According to the most recent release of the Bureau of Labor Statistics Producer Price Index (PPI), the prices of goods used as inputs to residential construction including and excluding energy have risen 19.0% and 12.0%, respectively, year-to-date (YTD). In contrast, the index for final demand goods has climbed 7.2% and that for final demand goods less food and energy is… Read More ›

Building Materials Prices Climbing at Record Year-To-Date Pace

Prices paid for goods used in residential construction ex-energy rose 0.2% in July after climbing 3.0% in June (not seasonally adjusted), according to the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Building materials (i.e., inputs to residential construction less food and energy) prices have declined just twice since December 2019 and have increased 19.4% over the… Read More ›

Consumer Confidence Rises to Highest Level since March 2020

Consumer confidence continued its upward trend and approached to pre-pandemic level in May, as consumers became more upbeat about the current and future economic conditions and job market. Though short-term inflation expectations increased, it had little impact on consumer confidence or spending intentions. The share of consumers planning to buy homes, cars, and major appliances all increased, suggesting consumers will… Read More ›

Prices of Residential Construction Inputs Up 23% Year-Over-Year

Prices paid for goods used in residential construction ex-energy rose 3.6% in May (not seasonally adjusted) and have increased 16.5% over the past 12 months, according to the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Building materials (i.e., inputs to residential construction less food and energy) prices have declined just twice since December 2019. The index… Read More ›

Building Materials Prices Continue to Set Record Highs

Prices paid for goods used in residential construction ex-energy rose 1.7% in April (not seasonally adjusted) and have increased 12.4% over the past 12 months, according to the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Building materials (i.e., inputs to residential construction less food and energy) prices have declined just twice since December 2019. The index… Read More ›

Consumer Confidence Surges to One-Year High

After a modest increase in February, consumer confidence surged to the highest level in a year, as consumers reporting a significantly more positive view of the job market and the economic growth. However, concerns about inflation may cause consumers to temper their spending in the coming months. The Consumer Confidence Index, reported by the Conference Board, rose 19.3 points from… Read More ›

Lumber Headlines Broad-Based Increases in Building Materials Prices

Prices paid for goods used in residential construction ex-energy rose 2.1% in January (not seasonally adjusted) and have increased 6.8% over the past 12 months, according to the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Building materials (i.e., inputs to residential construction less food and energy) prices have declined just twice since December 2019…. Read More ›