31 states reported month-over-month employment gains in August, while 14 states lost construction sector jobs. Montana, Oklahoma, and Utah each reported no change.
News in end use
Canada’s Unemployment Rate Increases to 5.5% in July—The Third Consecutive Monthly Increase
The number of Canadians receiving regular Employment Insurance (EI) benefits increased by 25,000, or 6.0%, to 438,000 in July.
Existing US Home Sales Decline in August
Total existing home sales declined 0.7% month-over-month in August to a seasonally adjusted rate of 4.04 million homes, the National Association of Realtors reported.
Fixed-Rate Mortgages Creep Higher in the Week Ending September 21st
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 7.19%, up from last week when it averaged 7.18%, according to Freddie Mac.
The Conference Board US Leading Economic Index® Declines Further in August
The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® declined 0.4% in August to a reading of 105.4 (2016=100), after posting a 0.3% decline in July.
US Weekly Jobless Claims Decrease for the Week Ending September 16th
The advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 201,000 during the week ending Saturday, September 16th. This is a decrease of 20,000.
Construction Backlog Holds Steady in August
The Associated Builders and Contractors Construction Backlog Indicator declined to 9.2 months in August, down 0.1 month.
Mortgage Applications Increase in the Week Ending September 15th
Mortgage loan application volume increased 5.4% on a seasonally adjusted basis from one week earlier, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
US Housing Starts Fall While Permits and Completions Climb in August
Privately‐owned housing starts in August were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 1,283,000. This is 11.3% below the revised July estimate of 1,447,000.
Commercial/Multifamily Mortgage Debt Outstanding Rises to $4.6 Trillion in Q2
The level of commercial/multifamily mortgage debt increased by $37.3 billion, or 0.8%, in Q2, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.