The number of open construction sector jobs increased from a revised 259,000 in October to 276,000 in November, the BLS and NAHB reported.
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Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index Declines in December
The Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI) fell 1.9 points in December, but it remained substantially higher than year-ago levels.
US Consumer Confidence Index Declines in December
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index declined 8.1 points to a reading of 104.7 (1985=100) in December.
US Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary for November
As of the last business day in November, the number of job openings was 8.1 million. Year-over-year, the measure was down 833,000.
US Home Prices Increase 0.5% in November
US home prices increased 0.5% in November on a seasonally adjusted basis, marking the third consecutive month of 0.5% growth, Redfin reported.
US Housing Affordability Improved Modestly in 2024 but Remains Out of Reach for Many
A household earning the median income in 2024 would need to allocate 41.8% of their income toward the cost of a typical home, slightly down from 42.2% in 2023, Redfin reported.
US Pending Home Sales Increase for Fourth Consecutive Month in November
The NAR Pending Homes Sales Index increased 2.2% to a reading of 79.0 in November. Year-over-year, pending sales rose 6.9%.
US State-Level Construction Employment Data for November
The construction industry gained a net 10,000 jobs in November, the BLS and NAHB reported. Employment (both residential and nonresidential) increased in 23 states and the District of Columbia.
Unemployment Rates Higher Year-Over-Year in 308 of 389 US Metropolitan Areas in November
Unemployment rates in November were higher than a year earlier in 308 of the 389 metropolitan areas, lower in 60 areas, and unchanged in 21 areas.
Ontario’s Amended Building Code Now Permits Mass Timber Construction Up to 18 Stories
An amendment to the Ontario building code permitting encapsulated mass timber construction up to 18 stories, an increase from the previous limit of 12, took effect on January 1, Storeys reported.