News

Import cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports is forecast to see a month-over-month gain in January, the first gain in six months. The ports are still expected to remain down year over year, according to the National Retail …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …