Market Insights

Consumer confidence regained much of its lost momentum in March, rising back over the 100 mark after backtracking in February.

Sales of new single-family homes in May 2011 dropped an estimated 2.1% over the previous month, according to figures released on June 23 by the U. S. Commerce Department. 

May’s seasonally adjusted number, 319,000 units, was below April’s 326,000 units but 13.5% above May 2010’s new-home sales of 281,000. 

Rents are rising, occupancy rates are high, and the apartment business is about to explode -- all of which spells good news for the multi-family construction business, according to an analyst for John Burns Real Estate Consulting. In her Housing Dimensions blog, VP Lesley Deutch cited pent-up demand from young adults, modest job recovery and government policy as the three top factors pushing this trend.

A new study from Frost & Sullivan is highlighting significant growth opportunity in the pet food market -- provided manufacturers understand how to capitalize on it.

Insulation manufacturers point to chilly statistics, and a waste of the nation's electricity and natural gas.

The world's number-two home improvement retailer kept pace with number one's strong earnings report.

Several readers sounded off on the rising price of gas and its relation to business success.

Here's what we heard when we asked them to describe the impact of rising gas prices on business.

"Not too bad an impact yet, but this is our slow season anyway. I hate to think what will happen if it continues to rise all summer. [If so,] it would definitely have a major negative impact on our business in the fall."
— Jack Bransfield

Consumer confidence steamrolled ahead in January to its highest level since 2007, breaking 100 to its current standing at 102.9.