Quikrete Industry Dashboard

Six of the 10 hardware and building supply stocks tracked by HBSDealer are showing year-over-year double-digit-percentage gains. Leading the charge is BLDR, up 24.5%, based on Aug. 29 prices.

Elsewhere on a relatively quiet weekly edition of the Quikrete Industry Dashboard, Consumer Confidence slipped ever-so slightly in August to a reading of 135.1, remaining at historically high levels. Here’s what Lynn Franco, senior director of economic indicators at The Conference Board said: “Consumers’ assessment of current conditions improved further, and the Present Situation Index is now at its highest level in nearly 19 years (Nov. 2000, 179.7). Expectations cooled moderately, but overall remain strong. While other parts of the economy may show some weakening, consumers have remained confident and willing to spend. However, if the recent escalation in trade and tariff tensions persists, it could potentially dampen consumers’ optimism regarding the short-term economic outlook.”

Looking ahead, housing starts data for August will be released Sept. 18. Existing home sales will be released by the National Association of Realtors Sept. 19.