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.

Imports, Exports Set Records as Deficit Swells

Washington, DC, Sept. 11, 2008--The U.S. trade deficit rose in July to the highest level in 16 months as oil imports hit an all-time high, offsetting strong export growth. The deficit with China climbed to the second highest level on record.

Jobless Claims Higher Than Expected

Washington, DC, Sept. 11, 2008-- Initial jobless claims for unemployment insurance were higher than expected last week, while total benefit rolls rose to the highest level in almost five years, according to the Labor Department.

NAHB Explains New First Time Buyer Tax Credit

NAHB Explains New First Time Buyer Tax Credit

Washington, DC, Sept 11, 2008--A new $7,500 temporary first-time home buyer tax credit is expected to turn millions of hesitant shoppers into home buyers, says the National Association of Home Builders.

Mortgage Application Volume Rises as Rates Fall

Mortgage Application Volume Rises as Rates Fall

Washington DC, Sept. 10, 2008--Mortgage application volume last week increased 9.5% compared with the week before, as mortgage interest rates fell, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported on Wednesday.

CFOs More Upbeat About Economy

Durham, NC, Sept. 10, 2008--Chief financial officers are more optimistic about the direction of the U.S. economy, but remain concerned about consumer demand and weak credit markets, according to a quarterly survey by Duke University/CFO Magazine .

Kährs Expanding Plant in Sweden

Nybro, Sweden, Sept. 9, 2008--Wood flooring manufacturer Kährs is investing $14.8 million at its Nybro factory in Sweden but will also lay off about 245 employees because of weak market conditions, Timber Industry Magazine reported.

Bamboo Firm on Inc. 5000 List

Poulsbo, WA, Sept. 10, 2008--Bamboo flooring company Higuera Hardwoods has ranked No. 623 by Inc. Magazine in its list of the Inc. 5000.

British Builder Offers Unusual Incentive

London, England, Sept. 10, 2008--Barratt Developments PLC, Britain's second-biggest house builder by volume, said that full-year profits fell by 71 percent as the credit crunch depressed sales in the second half.

Floor Sculpture Inspired by Michigan Forest

Grand Rapids, MI, Sept. 10, 2008--Michele Oka Doner has spent the past year working on her newest sculpture, only to have visitors at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park walk all over it.