Eye On Housing
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that payroll employment expanded by 252 thousand in December and the unemployment rate declined to 5.6 percent from 5.8 percent in November. Job gains in October and November were revised upward by a total of 50 thousand. The employment gains in December brought the average monthly gain for 2014 to 246 thousand, up… Read More ›
With the end of 2014 approaching, NAHB’s Eye on Housing is reviewing the posts that attracted the most readers over the last year. In July, we published industry survey data on labor issues. —————————– By Paul Emrath Data from a June 2014 NAHB survey show that shortages of labor and subcontractors have become substantially more widespread since 2013. Shortages are particularly acute for workers… Read More ›
Is the economic recovery finally ready to blast off? The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that payroll employment expanded by 321 thousand in November, an increase well above expectations. Monthly employment gains prior to November have averaged 233 thousand in 2014. Job gains in September and October were revised upward by a total of 44 thousand. The average workweek… Read More ›
Data released by the Federal Reserve Board shows that the amount of consumer credit outstanding rose over the month of September 2014. According to the release, consumer credit outstanding grew at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.9% ($191.1 billion). Revolving credit outstanding, which is largely made up of credit card debt, increased by 2.0% ($17.3 billion), while non-revolving credit… Read More ›
Payroll gains were strong and the unemployment rate dropped two-tenths of a percentage point, .15 based on employment gains, 0.05 based on labor force defections. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the Employment Situation report for September. The establishment survey showed payroll employment expanded by 248 thousand. The disappointing August gain was revised up from 142 thousand to a less… Read More ›
Job growth slowed and the unemployment rate ticked down; job growth is the more important signal. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the Employment Situation report for August. The establishment survey showed payroll employment expanded by 142 thousand, well below expectations. The June figure was revised down from 298 thousand to 267 thousand, and July was revised up from… Read More ›
Job growth slowed and the unemployment rate ticked up but it’s still a decent report. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the Employment Situation report for July. The establishment survey showed payroll employment expanded by 209 thousand. The May and June figures were revised upward by a total of 15 thousand, bringing them to 229 thousand and 298 thousand,… Read More ›
Surprising strength in payroll growth and another decline in the unemployment rate threaten to make this recovery begin to feel like a real recovery. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the Employment Situation report for June. The establishment survey showed payroll employment expanded by 288,000. The April and May figures were revised upward by a total of 29,000, bringing… Read More ›
With the May numbers reported today payroll employment has officially surpassed the pre-recession peak of 138.365 million, by 98 thousand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the Employment Situation report for May. The establishment survey showed payroll employment expanded by 217,000. The April figure was revised down by 6,000 and the March figure was unchanged. From the household survey,… Read More ›
The unemployment rate plunged to 6.3% in April from 6.7% in March. But curb your enthusiasm, it’s not what you think. First, the numbers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the Employment Situation report for April. The establishment survey showed payroll employment expanded by 288,000, and February and March were revised upward for a combined increase of 36,000. The… Read More ›