Jobless Claims Surge to 26-Year High
Washington, DC, Dec. 11, 2008--Initial jobless claims surged to the highest in 26 years last week, Labor Department data showed on Thursday, as a deepening recession forced employers to cut back hiring.
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.
Small Business Owners Cutting Capital Spending
Washington, DC, Dec. 11, 2008--Optimism at small businesses edged up slightly last month but owners remain discouraged about future prospects for hiring or spending, according to the National Federation of Independent Business index.
Employment Trends Index Continues To Weaken
New York, NY, Dec. 11, 2008-The Conference Board Employment Trends Index declined further in November.
Trade Deficit Rises Unexpectedly
Washington, DC, Dec. 11, 2008--America's trade deficit rose unexpectedly in October as a spreading global recession dampened sales of U.S. products overseas.
Mortgage Rates Below 4 Percent?
Washington, DC, Dec. 11, 2008--A federal regulator Wednesday suggested that mortgage rates could fall "well below 4 percent."
James Halstead Sales Up Over Last Year
Manchester, England, Dec. 10, 2008--U.K. Flooring company James Halstead said on Wednesday its sales for the first five months of its fiscal year were ahead of last year as raw material prices fell.
NAHB, Like Its Members, Has To Make Budget Cuts
Washington, DC, Dec. 11, 2008-- The National Association of Home Builders is cutting $11.5 million from its operating budget to ride out one of the worst housing downturns in the country's history.
Chinese Exports Fall for First Time in Seven Years
Beijing, China, Dec. 10, 2008--China’s exports in November fell for the first time in seven years as recessions in the U.S., Europe and Japan are reducing purchases of Chinese products.
InterfaceFlor Cuts Staff in UK
Calderdale, UK, Dec. 10, 2008--InterfaceFlor, based at Shelf Mills, Halifax, says it will lay off staff in the manufacturing, sales and marketing departments of its UK-wide flooring business, according to the Evening Courier.
World Bank Forecasts Fall in Trade Volume in 2009
New York, NY, Dec. 9, 2008--The World Bank on Tuesday painted a grim picture of the global economy in 2009, with growth weakening to a crawl and trade volume falling for the first time in 26 years.