Update Economic USA Housing
Housing starts fell 5.5% in May to 1.092 million units (annual rate). Residential permits also slowed by 4.9% to 1.168 million units. The construction of new homes has taken a pause over the past several months. This appears to be a short term slowdown rather than a longer term trend change in direction. The other economic factors in housing are all supporting a continuation of growth.
USA Stock Consideration Change Report
No changes – very quite.
Update USA Industrial Production, Capacity Utilization
Industrial production continues to grow with a 1.1 percent increase over last month. Capacity utilization moved down 0.1% to 76.6%. This economic measurement is gradually approaching the long-term average of 79.5%. We have added capacity utilization to this chart so that the month to month changes in industrial output can be viewed in concert with capacity utilization.
Update USA Unemployment 1st Time Claims
Employment jobless claims for 1st time requests is continue to fall. Recent jobless claims were down another 8,000 for the week. The rate is now at 237,000 which is well below the 300,000 unofficial benchmark. Additionally, the 4-week average remained nearly flat at 243,000 close to the same as the previous week and now at a 44 year low. Continuing claims remained below $2 million for 9 straight weeks.
Update Stock Consideration Change Report
CoreSite Realty, Johnson & Johnson, ProLogis all move to Sell Watch consideration list.