Retail Sales Retrench a Bit in April
New York, NY, May 6--After a strong spending pace the first three months of the year, consumers retrenched a bit in April, leaving many retailers with modest sales gains for the month.
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Home Depot to Acquire Construction Supply Firm
Atlanta, GA, May 6--Home Depot announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire White Cap Construction Supply, Inc.
Armstrong to Increase VCT Prices
Lancaster, PA, May 5--Armstrong will initiate an average 5% price increase on its commercial vinyl composition tile (VCT) products, effective on June 1.
Service Sector Continues to Expand
Tempe, AZ, May 5--The U.S. service sector grew at a brisk pace last month while employment and prices rose, according to a report released Wednesday by a private research group.
Brazil’s Ceramic Exports Expected to Rise
Brasilia, Brazil, May 6--The Brazilian association of the ceramic makers towards coating Anfacer (Associacao Nacional dos Fabricantes de Ceramica para Revestimento) expects a 20% increase in exports to US$300 million this year.
Berry Group Wins German Patent Decision
Oostrozebeke, Belgium, May 4--On April 27th, the German Patent Office judged upon the cancellation actions that were initiated against Unilins utility model DE 297 24 428.
Housing Affordability Rises
Washington, DC, May 4--A drop in mortgage interest rates, rising family income and a dip in home prices boosted housing affordability conditions in the first quarter.
UK Chemical Firm to Distribute Shell’s PDO in Euro
London, UK, May 5--Shell Chemicals Europe BV and Whyte Chemicals Ltd. announced they have formed an agreement in which Whyte will handle distribution of Shell's 1,3 propanediol monomer (PDO) in the European chemicals marketplace.
March Construction Spending Record Setting
Washington, DC, May 4--Construction spending rose to a record annual pace of $944.1 billion, as work increased on highways and other public works as well as private homes.
Factory Orders Up by 4.3% in March
Washington, DC, May 4--Orders for factory goods surged during March at a rate nearly double what analysts expected, achieving their largest gain in 20 months.