The NIFB Small Business Optimism Index increased 0.3 point to a reading of 91.5 in September, the 33rd consecutive month below the 50-year average of 98.
News in end use
Lower Mortgage Rates Send Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index Higher in September
The Fannie Mae HPSI increased 1.8 points in September to a reading of 73.9, its highest level in more than two years.
Manufactured Home Shipments Slipped 21% in 2023
89,169 manufactured homes were shipped last year, a 21% decrease from the 112,882 homes shipped in 2022, the Census Bureau and NAHB reported.
US Construction Employment Continued to Grow in September
Nonresidential construction employment led the way, adding 17,900 jobs, while residential construction gained 7,800 jobs, BLS and NAHB reported.
US Nonfarm Payroll Increases by 254,000 in September; Unemployment Ticks Down to 4.1%
Nonfarm payroll employment increased by 254,000 in September, above the average monthly gain of 203,000 over the prior 12 months.
US Mortgage Rates Inch Higher in the Week Ending October 3rd
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.12%, up from last week when it averaged 6.08%, Freddie Mac reported.
US Weekly Initial Jobless Claims Increase in the Week Ending September 28th
The advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 225,000, an increase of 6,000 from the previous week.
US Private Sector Job Cuts Ease in September
US-based employers announced 72,821 cuts in September, a 4% decrease from August, Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported.
Mortgage Applications Decline in the Week Ending September 27th
Mortgage loan application volume decreased 1.3% on a seasonally adjusted basis from one week earlier, MBA reported.
ADP® Reports Private Sector Employment and Compensation Both Increased in August
Private sector employment increased by 143,000 jobs in September, ADP reported.