Higher Rates Soften Mortgage Demand
Washington, DC, Feb. 16, 2011 -- Mortgage application volume dropped last week as high interest rates continued to soften demand for refinancing, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
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.
Industrial Production Declines Unexpectedly
Washington, DC, Feb. 16, 2011 -- U.S. industrial production declined unexpectedly, according to a Federal Reserve report.
Wholesale Prices Increase Again in January
Washington, DC, Feb. 16, 2011 -- U.S. wholesale prices rose again in January, the Labor Department reported.
Armstrong Closing NC Engineered Hardwood Plant
Statesville, NC, Feb. 15, 2011 -- Armstrong is idling production of engineered hardwood flooring at its Statesville plant in April.
Consumer Confidence Surges in January
New York, NY, Feb. 15, 2011 -- The Conference Board’s index of U.S. consumer confidence rose more than expected in January.
Builder Sentiment Holds Steady in February
Washington, DC, Feb. 15, 2011 -- Homebuilder confidence remained unchanged at 16 for a fourth consecutive month in February, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index.
Retail Sales Increase Less Than Expected
Washington, DC, Feb. 15, 2011 -- U.S. retail sales rose less than forecast in January, weighed down by declining demand at building material stores and restaurants, according to the Commerce Department.
Alliance Fighting Wood Tariffs Lists Members
Seattle, WA, Feb. 15, 2011 -- The Alliance for Free Choice and Jobs in Flooring, formed to fight proposed tariffs on engineered hardwood flooring from China, has updated its website and, among other things, lists its members.
Chain Store Sales Up from Last Year
New York, NY, Feb. 15, 2011 -- U.S. retail sales rose 2.7 percent from one year ago, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs.
Obama Budget Would Cut High-Earner Deductions
Washington, DC, Feb. 15, 2011 -- President Obama's 2012 budget proposes to cut itemized deductions for high-income taxpayers, including the mortgage interest tax deduction.