Content about Christianity

The American Hardware Manufacturers Association’s AHMA Home Improvement Industry Confidence Index’s Current Situation Index improved in November to 266.7 from 262.5 in October (November 2008 = 100), while the Future Expectations Index also improved to 262.1 from 236.2.

The Conference Board reported Tuesday morning that its Consumer Confidence Index increased to 56.0 in November, up from 40.9 in October.

That's not the only metric improving. The Expectations Index rose to 67.8 from 50.0, and the Present Situation Index increased to 38.3 from 27.1. 

It's certainly not partying like 1985 -- when the Index was set at 100. But it's an improvement welcomed by Lynn Franco, director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center. 

The National Association of Home Builders has released a new monthly index that examines metropolitan areas that have shown sustained economic improvement. Called the NAHB/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI), the new index measures three key economic areas -- housing permits, employment and housing prices -- during a six-month or more period.

The list of metro areas on the IMI’s inaugural list include:

The American Hardware Manufacturers Association (AHMA) announced mixed results from its AHMA Home Improvement Industry Confidence Index for the month of July. 

The Current Situation Index was reported to have risen to 225 in July, up from 166.7 in June. Also, 54% of survey respondents said sales were higher in July in comparison to those from one year ago, up from 40% in June. Some 18% reported sales were even, and 29% said sales had decreased since last year.

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which had declined in May, decreased again in June. The Index now stands at 58.5 (1985=100), down from 61.7 in May. The Present Situation Index decreased to 37.6 from 39.3. The Expectations Index declined to 72.4 from 76.7 last month.

A price index of lumber and panels used in actual construction for April 15, 2011