Ken Simonson

The value of construction put in place reached $934.5 billion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate in November, the Census Bureau announced.

Gains in construction employment were more widespread: 31 states plus DC, with only 18 states reporting drops.

Homebuilders' expectations for sales in the next six months dropped for the second straight month in December, according to a report this afternoon from the National Assn. of Home Builders (NAHB).

The value of construction put in place in October rose 0.9%.

Construction again showed more widespread growth, rising in 29 states and falling in 20.

The producer price index (PPI) for finished goods jumped 0.8%, seasonally adjusted, in October, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced.

The value of construction put in place soared to a third straight record in September at a seasonally adjusted annual rate, the Census Bureau announced.

“Construction put in place showed amazing strength in September,” said Kenneth D. Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America, the nation's leading construction trade association.

Single-family home sales continued at very high levels in September 2003, two reports show.

Industrial production in September at the nation's factories, mines, and utilities rose 0.4%, seasonally adjusted, following a dip of 0.1% in August, the Federal Reserve reported.