A price index of lumber and panels used in actual construction for Jan. 6, 2012

An index of consumer sentiment rose for the fourth month in a row, gaining 5.8 points and reaching its highest level since last June. The Reuters/University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index hit 69.9 points in December, and researchers pointed to falling gasoline prices, mildly better employment prospects, an uptick in the stock market and real income growth. 

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. 

Residential remodeling activity rose 34% in September 2011 in year-over-year comparisons, according to an index compiled by BuildFax, a national database of building permit data. It was the 23rd straight month of increases and the highest level of remodeling activity since the index was introduced in 2004.

Residential remodeling activity hit a record high in August 2011, rising 29% in year-over-year comparisons, according to an index compiled by BuildFax, a national database of building permit data. It was the 22nd consecutive month of increases and the highest level of remodeling activity since the index was introduced in 2004.


The American Hardware Manufacturers Association’s AHMA Home Improvement Industry Confidence Index’s Current Situation Index improved in September to 237.5 from 229.2 in August (October 2008 = 100), while the Future Expectations Index declined slightly to 187.9 from 193.1. 

The S&P/Case-Shiller Index, a leading indicator of U.S. housing prices, showed a 0.9% rise in home prices in July 2011 compared with the previous month for both its 10- and 20-city composites. This is the fourth consecutive month of increases for both indices. 

In July 2011, the 10- and 20-City Composites recorded annual returns of -3.7% and -4.1%, respectively. 

A price index of lumber and panels used in actual construction for Sept. 16, 2011

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 S&P/Case-Shiller Index, a closely watched indicator for the new housing market, has reported a monthly increase in prices for its 10- and 20-city composites for the first time in eight months. The composites were up 0.8% and 0.7%, respectively, in April versus March.

However, both indices are lower than a year ago, with the 10-city composite down 3.1% and the 20-city composite off 4.0% from its April 2010 levels.

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index increased slightly to 65.4 in April, up from 63.8 in March, and up from 57.7 in April 2010.