Content about Forecasting

August 2, 2012
Ornamental fencing to help boost industry sales

Demand for fencing in the U.S. is forecast to expand 7.1% annually through 2016, according to a report just released by The Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based market research firm.

Demand for fencing in the U.S. is forecast to expand 7.1% annually through 2016, according to a report just released by The Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based market research firm. Growth will be driven by an expected rebound in building construction from a depressed 2011 base.  Advances will also be supported by rising installation of high-value fences, such as ornamental metal and composite fencing.  Consumers are turning to these materials because of their favorable aesthetic and performance properties, the report said.

October 11, 2011
Holiday forecast for 2011: “Average”

Retailers that enjoyed robust sales during the 2010 holiday season should not expect a repeat performance, according to a forecast from the National Retail Federation (NRF). The Washington, D.C., trade organization predicted a 2.8% increase this year, totaling $465.6 billion. In 2010, holiday retail sales rose 5.2% over the previous year, according to the NRF. The 10-year average holiday sales increase is 2.6%.

September 7, 2011
Retailers forecast strong holiday, show hiring restraint

According to a survey released Tuesday by global management consultancy Hay Group, 68% of retailers expect holiday sales to increase this year. However, hiring plans remain conservative, with 67% of retailers hiring at the same level as last year and 25% hiring fewer seasonal workers.

June 17, 2011
HIRI takes second look at economic forecast

The Interim Report on the Economic Outlook and the Home Improvement Products Market for May 2011 lowered some forecasts for key metrics, raised others and maintained its core forecast.

The report, conducted for the Home Improvement Research Institute by IHS Global Insight, downwardly revised its 2011 housing starts forecast to 630,000. The February forecast had called for 680,000 starts in 2011. The 2012 forecast was also lowered from 1.10 million to 1.02 million.

January 10, 2011
Following up: A woeful year for forecasters

December 14, 2008
Future shock: We got some right!

When most magazines make predictions, they are long forgotten by the time actual events reveal...

June 18, 2008
Fitch lowers outlook for home building industry

Fitch Ratings predicts “further slippage” on starts and new homes sales through 2008 and into...