The U.S. economy grew at a faster pace in the third quarter of 2026, supported by stronger consumer spending, robust business investment and increased government spending, according to an analysis from the National Association of Home Builders. However, residential investment …
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Q1 2026 Home Improvement Financial Roundup
Among economic headwinds, global conflict and elevated inflation, financial results for the first quarter of 2026 were across the board for top names in the corporate retail world. A majority of companies reported positive results in the quarter, demonstrating resilience …
Read More »Real GDP Growth Rebounds to 2% in Q1 2026
Real GDP growth accelerated in the first quarter of 2026, rebounding from a weak end of 2025, as government spending recovered following a disruptive shutdown, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). First-quarter growth was also supported by …
Read More »Building Material Price Growth Remain Above 3%
Residential building material price growth accelerated in February after slowing a month prior, according to the latest Producer Price Index release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The Producer Price Index for final demand increased 0.7% in February, a …
Read More »Canadian Industry Continues Post-COVID Doldrums
By Steve Payne, Editor-in-Chief, Hardlines Inc. The health of the retail hardware and home improvement industry in Canada had its ups and downs both during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, industry sales declined by 3.7%, and in 2024 …
Read More »Looking Back, Moving Forward: Dig Into the NHPA 2026 Market Measure Report
Market Measure Evolution As you dive into this year’s Market Measure report, things might look a bit different than they have in the past, particularly when you browse the size of market numbers and the market breakdown. The numbers themselves …
Read More »Unemployment Rate Inches Higher After Shutdown
The unemployment rate rose to its four-year high of 4.6%, up from 4.4% year over year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Positively, employers added 64,000 jobs in November. Household survey data for October 2025 were not collected …
Read More »Holiday Sales Predictions on Track
Retail sales saw strong year-over-year growth in November, with the first half of the month posting results on track to meet the National Retail Federation’s spending forecast, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor. “Retail sales showed healthy year-over-year gains in November …
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