Import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports will be flat in May compared with the same month last year, but is expected to see solid year-over-year increases through this summer and the back-to-school season, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates. 

A price index of lumber and panels used in actual construction for May 4, 2012

The National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Remodeling Market Index (RMI) decreased one point to 47 from the upwardly revised 48 in the previous quarter.

In the first quarter, the RMI component measuring current market conditions dropped one point to 49, while the component measuring future indicators of remodeling business fell two points to 44.

In the California company’s first full-year fiscal earnings report since separating from Sears, Orchard Supply posted a net loss of $14.5 million, compared to net income of $8.7 million in fiscal year 2010.

The company’s sales in 2011 were $660.5 million, roughly flat from the prior years. Same store sales declined 0.6% -- average ticket was up, but transaction volume was down.

A price index of lumber and panels used in actual construction for April 13, 2012

The latest employment situation report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the national unemployment rate slipped to 8.2% for March, compared with 8.3% in February.

Nonfarm payroll employment rose by 120,000 in March.

According to the bureau, retail trade employment fell by 34,000 in March. A large job loss in general merchandise stores (-32,000) and small losses in other retail industries more than offset gains in health and personal care stores (+6,000).

For the first time in several years, all of the major end-use markets for wood products are expected to move in concert and increase this year. Housing, the largest market for many products, is expected to increase 10% this year when U.S. and Canadian starts are combined, according to APA -- The Engineered Wood Association.

A price index of lumber and panels used in actual construction for March 16, 2012

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Bosch home appliances a 2012 Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award. 

Bosch, an Energy Star partner since 2007, will be honored for its long-term commitment to energy efficiency. For instance, 100% of Bosch major appliances are Energy Star-rated and exceed federal energy standards in dishwashers by up to 97%, the company said. Bosch points to its Bosch 800 Plus dishwasher as the most energy- and water-efficient dishwasher in North America.

A price index of lumber and panels used in actual construction for March 2, 2012

Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Do it Best Corp. has re-launched an enhanced version of mydotbest.com, its member exclusive portal for up-to-the-minute communication, program information and product knowledge, including the rollout of a more robust online catalog.