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.

Fannie Mae Sees Sharp Slowing in House Price Gains

Washington, DC, March 14, 2006--Mortgage finance giant Fannie Mae said house price increases should slow significantly in 2006, climbing just 3 percent instead of the double-digit rates recorded in recent years.

Chain Store Sales Inch Up Last Week

New York, NY, March 14, 2006--Chain store sales rose in the latest week for the fourth week in a row as spring-like weather nationwide brought shoppers out, according to a report on Tuesday.

Retail Sales Off 1.3% in February

Washington, DC, March 14, 2006--Retail sales fell 1.3% in February for their sharpest decline in six months, according to the Commerce Department estimated Tuesday.

Manpower Survey: 30% of Companies to Hire More

Milwaukee, WI, March 14, 2006--According to a survey by global staffing firm Manpower Inc., thirty percent of companies intend to increase staffing levels in the second quarter this year, according to a survey of 16,000 employers prepared for release Tues

Small-Business Owners See Steady, Stable Economy

Washington, DC, March 14, 2006--Confirming their view that the nation’s economy is moving solidly ahead, small-business owners nudged the February NFIB Small-Business Optimism Index up four-tenths of a point to 101.5.

Congoleum Reports Year-End Loss on Asbestos Charge

Mercerville, NJ, March 14, 2006--Congoleum Corp. reported its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2005. The 2005 results include $25.3 million in charges related to asbestos liabilities, of which $15.5 million were recorded in the second qua

MBA: GDP to Rebound

Washington, DC, March 13, 2006—According to the Mortgage Bankers Association forecast, incoming economic data over the past few weeks indicate a strong first-quarter rebound in GDP growth from the revised 1.6 percent annual rate of the fourth quarter.