Consumer Sentiment Inched Up 2.1% to 54 in Early January
Ann Arbor, MI, January 9, 2026-Consumer sentiment rose 2.1% to 54 in early January, according to preliminary results from the University of Michigan Survey of Consumers.
Today's Flooring News
Keep up to date with the most recent news in the flooring industry. Today's News...As it happens! We update this news several times a day so you can stay connected.
Housing Starts Declined 4.6% in October
Washington, DC, January 9, 2026-Privately-owned housing starts in October were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,246,000, 4.6% below the revised September estimate of 1,306,000 and 7.8% below the October 2024 rate of 1,352,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Acadian Flooring America Suffers Significant Fire
Marrero, LA, January 9, 2026-A fire broke out at Acadian Flooring in Marrero, Louisiana before noon on January 8, reports WDSU News.
Employment & Unemployment Rates Virtually Unchanged in Dec.
Washington, DC, January 9, 2026--Both total nonfarm payroll employment (+50,000) and the unemployment rate (4.4%)changed little in December, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported.
Dodge Momentum Index Rose 7% in December
Boston, MA, January 8, 2026-The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI), issued by Dodge Construction Network grew 7.0% in December to 296.8 (2000=100) from the upwardly revised November reading of 277.4.
Dec. Construction Employment Declined From Nov. but Rose YOY
Washington, DC, January 9, 2026-The construction industry lost 11,000 jobs on net in December, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Sicis Names Francesco Sommariva Chief Marketing & Growth Officer
Ravenna, IT, January 9, 2026-Sicis, a global manufacturer of artistic mosaics, has appointed Francesco Sommariva as chief marketing & growth officer.
Long-Term Mortgage Rates in Decline Since Mid-2025
Washington, DC, January 8, 2026-Long-term mortgage rates have been declining since mid-2025 and ended the year at their lowest level since September 2024, says the NAHB.
FCITS Offering Concrete Moisture Certification Course at TISE
Las Vegas, NV, January 9, 2026-The Flooring Consultants & Inspection Training Services (FCITS) has announced the addition of a new Concrete Moisture Testing Certification and Training Course to its education lineup during The International Surface Event (TISE) at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.
Investment Groups Should Be Banned from Buying Homes, Says Trump
Englewood Cliffs, NJ, January 8, 2026—"President Donald Trump said the U.S. should bar large institutional investors from buying single-family homes, arguing that corporate ownership has helped push housing further out of reach for everyday Americans,” reports CNBC.