New data from HireQuest indicates that the 2026 labor market is moving toward stability after several years of rapid swings in hiring trends. Survey results from more than 400 offices show that time-to-fill rates have largely steadied, job applications remain consistent and employers are leaning more heavily on flexible hiring models like contract and fractional roles. The market is shifting toward skill-based hiring, with companies emphasizing flexibility, job fit and roles that cannot be automated. Trends such as reshoring, easing tariffs and advancements in AI-driven recruiting are also influencing demand,…
Read MoreDay: November 19, 2025
The State of the Construction Economy: What to Expect in 2026
The construction industry is heading into 2026 with uncertainty, but also with growing opportunities in reconstruction, adaptive reuse and major technology-driven projects. While high mortgage rates, rising materials costs and labor shortages continue to challenge builders, activity is shifting toward redevelopment of aging buildings and creating new housing through conversions and ADUs. Economists note that trends like office-to-residential conversions and reconstruction work are becoming essential strategies as traditional residential demand softens. At the same time, long-term volatility in interest rates and tariffs continues to influence costs and delay projects, reinforcing…
Read MorePrice Cuts on New Construction as Homebuilder Sentiment Remains Low
Homebuilders are increasingly turning to price cuts and incentives as economic uncertainty continues to weigh on buyer demand. In November, 41% of builders reduced prices, the highest share in five years, while nearly two-thirds used additional incentives such as mortgage-rate buy-downs. Builder confidence remains weak, held back by high inflation, volatile mortgage rates and lingering effects of the prolonged government shutdown, which disrupted key economic data releases. Industry leaders note that even with mortgage rates easing slightly, many buyers remain hesitant due to job-market concerns and broader financial uncertainty. As…
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