ForConstructionPros
Construction employment increased in three-fifths of metro areas between August 2015 and August 2016 — the smallest share in nearly three and a half years — as contractors in many areas report difficulty in finding qualified workers, according to a new Associated General Contractors of America analysis of federal employment data. Association officials said the new data underscores the need to make it easier for school officials to set up programs that teach skills like construction.

Reuters
U.S. economic growth was less sluggish than previously thought in the second quarter as exports grew more than imports and businesses raised their investments, hopeful signs for the economic outlook.

Forbes
Consumers’ sentiment continues to improve, as does their mood. What does it mean for spending? Deborah Weinswig, Managing Director of Fung Global Retail & Technology, weighs in on what improvements in Prosper’s key indicators mean for retail sales and which categories are likely to benefit.

The Wall Street Journal
Americans seem to feel much better about the economy than the commentary in this week’s presidential debate would lead one to believe. Or do they? That answer depends largely on who is doing the questioning. Confidence surveys have yielded starkly conflicting results of late, with polarized political views playing a significant part in the outcomes. But they matter for the outcome of the election which, of course, matters to investors.

Construction Dive
Concrete has always been in indicator of "civilization." Since its invention in the 19th century, humans have used concrete not only to tame nature but, in many cases, to pave right over it. As a result, the hard-wearing material can be found nearly everywhere there are people.

Global Construction
With recent news that the concentration of carbon dioxide emitted has now reached 400 parts per million, it has become increasingly important for construction workers to reduce their carbon footprint and provide buildings which are not only economical, but sustainable in their designs.

Entrepreneur
A lot of entrepreneurs get discouraged because they don't have massive marketing budgets and assume there aren't effective ways to promote their business without deep pockets. This is far from the truth.

New Atlas
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill is behind the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, so obviously knows a thing or two about building big. New York City's One World Trade Center shows that the firm is also pretty handy at building green too, and the western hemisphere's tallest building was recently awarded LEED Gold certification (a major green building code) in recognition of its sustainable design.