Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in July for the 14th consecutive month, and the overall economy grew for the 62nd consecutive month, according to the latest Manufacturing ISM Report. The report, issued today by Bradley J. Holcomb, CPSM, …
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Over the month, real average weekly earnings were unchanged in June, as a result of no change in both real average hourly earnings and the average workweek. Real average hourly earnings declined 0.1 percent, seasonally adjusted, from June 2013 to …
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In June, 17 states had unemployment rates that were significantly lower than the total U.S. figure of 6.1 percent, 8 states and the District of Columbia had measurably higher rates, and 25 states had rates that were not appreciably different …
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Growth in home improvement activity is expected to climax during the second half of 2014 and then begin to ease heading into next year, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) released by the Remodeling Futures Program at …
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The National Retail Federation lowered its retail sales forecast for 2014 because of slow growth recorded during the first half of the year, but said sales are expected to grow significantly faster over the next five months. NRF forecasted in …
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The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported its July Housing Market Index (HMI)—also known as the “homebuilder confidence index”—rose to 53 from the June reading of 49. Economists had been expecting a less-significant increase to 50. The report was …
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The Hardware Retailing Stock Index posted another positive close in June, buoyed by an improving housing market and gradually strengthening economic conditions. The index rose 6.71 points, or 0.55 percent, and closed at 1235.05. Advancing issues easily topped declining issues …
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Retail sales increased in June, which probably helped the U.S. economy rebound in the second quarter. Purchases increased 0.2 percent after a 0.5 percent advance in May that was larger than previously reported, Commerce Department figures showed today in Washington. …
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