Market Insights

J. Scott Hazelton, senior principal and director of the construction services practice of IHS Global Insight, pointed to the positive and negative forces affecting the 2011 economy during a presentation in Las Vegas last week.

Hazelton addressed the Presidents Council Advisory Board during the National Hardware Show last week.

"Things are getting better, but you still need to be patient," Hazelton said.

The Pending Home Sales Index for July declined 1.3% to 109.5 as higher mortgage rates dampened enthusiasm for home buyers, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

The NAR's Chief Economist Lawrence Yun didn't seem concerned by what he called a "modest decline in sales." 

The Pending Home Sales Index is a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings. The index has remained above year-ago levels for 27 consecutive months.

The article "Home Depot drops Paula Deen" generated several reader comments.

A report from Freedonia Group expects a market share dip for manufactured housing placements.

With California’s controversial “lumber assessment” now being assessed on most lumber products sold in the state under so-called “emergency” regulations from the state’s tax collection agency, the State Board of Equalization (BOE), the next process for the state agency is to develop permanent rules including a permanent retailer set-up reimbursement.

An article about recent court cases in California that have given employees the right to sue their employers for "suitable seating" led to several reader responses:

(The letters are in response to a Dec. 13 editorial: "A deduction, endangered.")

Three steps to business stability in uncertain times