The U.S. economy added 50,000 jobs in December and the unemployment rate was reported at 4.4% for the month, marking little change from the previous month, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Overall, 584,000 jobs were added …
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Housing Starts Decline Amid High Mortgage Rates and Construction Costs
Builders have faced significant challenges in recent months with elevated mortgage rates and high construction costs, according to the latest residential housing market report and an analysis by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Overall housing starts dropped to …
Read More »Consumer Confidence Hits Lowest Level Since April Amid Inflation, Weak Labor Market Concerns
Consumer confidence fell in December to the lowest level since April’s tariff implementation, reflecting concerns about increasing inflation and a weak labor market, according to an analysis by the National Association of Home Builders’ Eye on Housing. The labor market …
Read More »Construction Job Openings Rise Despite Overall Market Slowdown
The number of open, unfilled positions in the construction industry increased in November, according to the delayed Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). As the labor market weakened at the end of 2025, the number …
Read More »The Helpful Hardware Company Expands With Acquisition of Jones Hometown Hardware
The Helpful Hardware Company (HHC) recently acquired Jones Hometown Hardware in Jackson, Georgia, marking the company’s 21st hardware store location. “We’re thrilled to welcome Jones Hometown Hardware to the HHC family,” says David Enmark, CEO of The Helpful Hardware Company. …
Read More »True Value Launches National Advertising Campaign
True Value is returning to national advertising with the launch of its new brand awareness campaign, “Your Project, Your Way,” designed to reintroduce one of America’s most iconic hardware retailers to a younger generation of DIYers. Anchored in individuality and …
Read More »Mortgage Rates Continue Decline at the End of 2025
At the end of December 2025, long-term mortgage rates were at the lowest level since September 2024, continuing the steady decline seen since mid-2025. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.19% in December, 5 basis points (bps) lower than November, while …
Read More »Lowe’s Expands Texas Footprint with Two New Store Openings in January
Lowe’s announced the opening of two Texas stores set to open at the end of January. Lowe’s of Celina, Texas, is slated to open on Jan. 23 and Lowe’s of Manvel, Texas, has a planned opening of Jan. 30. These …
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