Research

The S&P/Case-Shiller Index, a leading indicator of U.S. housing prices, showed a 0.9% rise in home prices in July 2011 compared with the previous month for both its 10- and 20-city composites. This is the fourth consecutive month of increases for both indices. 

In July 2011, the 10- and 20-City Composites recorded annual returns of -3.7% and -4.1%, respectively. 

Data through December 2011, released today by S&P Indices for its S&P/Case-Shiller1 Home Price Indices, the leading measure of U.S.

Channel analysis
Dollar sales and unit sales of the caulk and sealant category both showed year-over-year gains, according to consumer research from the Port Washington, N.Y.-based NPD Group. But unit volume is down compared with two years ago. The warehouse home centers dominated — nearly three of every five tubes of caulk — but have trended down in the past 12 months.

Results from the third-quarter survey from the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) indicated a 42% rise in showroom traffic and a 36% increase in kitchen remodel sales volumes from one year ago, as well as a significant increase -- 85% -- in bathroom sales over the third quarter of 2010.  Overall, kitchen and bath remodeling revenues reported by NKBA dealer members rose 69% in year-over-year figures.