Market Insights

The nation's retailers showed a sales increase of 0.1% in June, according to the Advance Monthly Sales report released Thursday morning by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Adjusted for seasonal variation and holiday and trading-day differences, but not for price changes, June sales were estimated at $387.8 billion, an increase of 0.1% from the previous month. Compared with the same month last year, total sales were up 8.1%.

The S&P/Case-Shiller Index, a closely watched indicator for the new housing market, has reported a monthly increase in prices for its 10- and 20-city composites for the first time in eight months. The composites were up 0.8% and 0.7%, respectively, in April versus March.

However, both indices are lower than a year ago, with the 10-city composite down 3.1% and the 20-city composite off 4.0% from its April 2010 levels.

The National Retail Federation describes a kind of pent-up demand for Father's Day spending as one reason for positive signals from its Consumer Intentions and Actions Father's Day survey.

As June 19 approaches, research suggests Americans will spend an average of $106.49 on fathers across the country -- the highest figure in the survey's eight-year history, and up significantly from $94.32 last year. 

NKBA estimates double-digit growth for a thriving sector of residential construction.

August saw progress, but September was a bit more stagnant.

Top-line retail same-store sales held steady with a 5.7% gain in May, but showed the effects of plans by shoppers to curb spending, according to Kantar Retail.

Transforming historic spaces into contemporary retail stores, as seen through the eyes of an architect and designer.

The benefits of LED are clear as day from an operational standpoint.