Unemployment Figure Drops Below 8%
Washington, DC, Oct. 5, 2012 -- Employers created 114,000 new jobs in September and the unemployment rate dropped below 8% for the first time since 2009, according to the Labor Department.
Today's Flooring News
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Improving Housing Markets List Ticks Higher
Washington, DC, Oct. 5, 2012 -- A total of 103 housing markets in the U.S. qualified to be listed on the National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index, according to the National Association of Home Builders.
Dal-Tile Closing New York Mosaic Tile Plant
Olean, NY, Oct. 5, 2012 -- Dal-Tile Corp. said it is closing its mosaic tile manufacturing facility in Olean.
Chain Store Sales Rise in September
New York, NY, Oct. 5, 2012 -- U.S. comparable chain store sales rose 0.9 percent in September compared to a year ago, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers.
Mortgage Rates Hit New Record Low
Washington, DC, Oct. 5, 2012 -- Mortgage rates hit a new record low again after the Federal Reserve's latest action.
Optical Fibers in Carpet Could Warn Seniors
Manchester, England, Oct. 5, 2012 -- Researchers say it's possible to use plastic optical fibers in carpeting to warn seniors when their walking patterns might put them in danger of falling, according to a HealthDay News story.
Planned Job Cuts Way Down from Year Ago
Chicago, IL, Oct. 4, 2012 -- U.S. employers said they plan to cut 33,816 jobs in September, up 4.9% from 32,229 in August, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
NWFA Releases Education Schedule
St. Louis, MO, Oct. 4, 2012 -- The National Wood Flooring Association has revamped its technical education curriculum and has announced its 2013 schedule.
Initial Jobless Claims Edge Higher Last Week
Washington, DC, Oct. 5, 2012 -- Initial claims for unemployment benefits edged up last week, according to the Labor Department.
Factory Orders Decline in August
Washington, DC, Oct. 4, 2012 -- U.S. factory orders fell less than expected in August, according to the Commerce Department.