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Caterpillar profits fall 45%, cuts forecast

Apr 22, 2013
Caterpillar reported disappointing earnings this morning. The heavy-equipment maker announced its profits are down 45 percent and also cut its forecast for the rest of the year.
Caterpillar reported disappointing earnings this morning. The heavy-equipment maker announced its profits are down 45 percent and also cut its forecast for the rest of the year.
JONAS ROOSENS/AFP/Getty Images

Downside of a housing rebound? The price of plywood on the rise

Mar 22, 2013
As the housing market recovers, prices for some construction and building materials reach pre-bust highs
Thanks to improvements in the hosuing market, demand for plywood and other lumber products is growing. But suppliers haven't been able to keep up with demand, so prices are unusaully high.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Lumber stacks up big profits

Feb 26, 2013
Despite a 46 percent jump in softwood lumber prices, many timber companies are wary to head into the forests.

Schools risk outsized debts with delayed bond payments

Feb 14, 2013
Many school districts around the country are making use of capital appreciation bonds, long-term bonds that can put them into debt for far more than they initially borrowed.

Recovery in new home sales a boost for the economy

Dec 27, 2012
Many of the new homes being sold now were planned years ago. Finally demand has returned, in part because first-time buyers are being outbid by investors for bargain foreclosure sales.

The art of elevatoring

Dec 4, 2012
How long will you wait for an elevator before becoming frustrated? Elevator expert Theresa Christy says 20 seconds is the industry standard.

A Sandy sales bump?

Oct 31, 2012
As stricken homeowners dig out, home-improvement sales should see a boost.

For public good, not for profit.

Beetle infestation drives up lumber prices

Oct 26, 2012
A new set of beetles is taking North America by storm, and this time the casualty is the lumber industry. What does this mean for home building and other lumber needs in the U.S.?

Housing construction hits four year high

Oct 17, 2012
New construction on apartments and single family houses reached its highest point in September in more than four years. New mortgage applications for home purchases were also up last week.

With home building up, will McMansions return?

Aug 22, 2012
Nationwide, home-building permits are at a four-year high. But coming off the Great Recession, is there a market for luxury homes?