Source: McGraw Hill Construction The Dodge Momentum Index retreated 0.8% in March compared to February, according to McGraw Hill Construction, a division of McGraw Hill Financial. The Momentum Index is a monthly measure of the first (or initial) report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. The March Momentum Index came in at 113.8 (2000=100), down from a revised 114.8 in February and 118.3 in January. While the longer term trend is still viewed as positive, the Momentum Index appears to be experiencing a temporary pause. Uncertainty, perhaps related to the weak employment growth at the start of the year, is the likely contributor to this short-term unease.
Source: Woodworking Network Ninety percent of North American home builders, architects, remodelers, landscape professionals and interior designers surveyed on Houzz expect revenue to grow in 2014 according to the first “Houzz Residential Design & Renovation Outlook” report based on data provided by more than 6,500 service providers on Houzz. From one-person shops to large firms, pros are bullish on growth, with sole proprietor architects slightly less confident than average, though still strong at 85 percent. Houzz, the world’s leading platform for home remodeling and design, also found that larger companies – those with six employees or more – reported a stronger 2013 and were more bullish about revenue growth this year.
Source: DOOR & WINDOW MARKET MAGAZINE The latest Wood Markets annual survey of the “Top 20″ Canadian and U.S. softwood lumber producers shows modest gains in both countries in 2013 as lumber demand continues to rise in the U.S. and in key export markets. U.S. softwood lumber shipments increased 5.1 percent to 30.0 billion board feet (bf), whereas Canadian production rebounded from minimal gains in 2012 to record an increase of 4.0 percent to 23.5 billion bf. Corporate acquisitions were again a big part of the story as the Canadian buying frenzy continued in the U.S. South—more than 25 mills have been purchased by Canadian firms in the South that all started in the mid-2000s.
Source: Woodworking Network The global RFID smart cabinets market revenue is expected to reach USD 784.6 million by 2020, growing at a CAGR of 11.5% from 2014 to 2020. Rising initiatives undertaken by healthcare institutions to curb costs via the adoption of an efficient inventory management solution is expected to be a key driver for RFID smart cabinet demand. The report also observes that government regulations aimed at efficient inventory management of medical supplies in healthcare institutions coupled with the current low market penetration rate of RFID technologies in these institutions is expected to fuel market demand over the next six years.
Source: THE WALLSTREET JOURNAL. By JONATHAN HOUSE New-home sales fell in February, the latest sign of severe weather and rising mortgage rates slowing the housing recovery.
Markets in 59 out of the approximately 350 metro areas nationwide returned to or exceeded their last normal levels of economic and housing activity, according to the National Association of Home Builders/First American Leading Markets Index (LMI), released today. This represents a net gain of one from the previous month.
Source: Ceresana Introduction
For the very first time, Ceresana has now published a study regarding the European market for windows and doors (both interior and external) that are utilized by the construction sector. In addition to demand and revenues, this report also includes figures concerning production and trade. For the purpose of this study, Russia, the Ukraine, Belarus, and Turkey are counted as European countries. Windows and doors utilized in vehicles, naval vessels, aircrafts, and other modes of transportation are not included in this study. The relevant figures for demand, production, and revenues in this study are given for windows and doors separately. Source: Door & Window Market Magazine Flat glass prices dipped .6 percent from December to January, marking the fourth such fall in prices within the last five months, according to the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) Report issued by the U.S. Labor Department.
With glass performance for energy efficiency being comparable in the U.S. and Europe, window frames on this side of the Atlantic have been eyed as underperforming on the U-value front as compared to those in Europe. But the reason for—and even the very premise of underperformance—is complicated, say experts.
Source: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Home Depot's fiscal fourth-quarter net income dipped 1 percent, hampered by bad winter weather and one less week in the period than a year ago.
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