Quikrete Industry Dashboard

The latest updated version of the Quikrete Industry Dashboard shows hardware and building stocks still riding high, and the unemployment rate falling into single digits.

Leading the charge on Wall Street are Builders FirstSource and BMC, the two companies that announced a mega-merger deal in late August. Both of these LBM stocks are running more 50% higher than a year ago. 

Once again, all 10 stocks on the roundup are in positive figures.

The Dashboard shows the nation’s unemployment rate fell to 8.4% for August, down from 10.2% in July. 

“These improvements in the labor market reflect the continued resumption of economic activity that had been curtailed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and efforts to contain it,” wrote the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Coming up: Monthly retail sales results from the Commerce Department will be announced on Sept. 16. Housing starts will follow on Sept. 17.