PR Newswire

DUTTON, ON, Jan. 23, 2026 /CNW/ – Far too many Canadians are struggling to find homes they can afford. Solving Canada’s housing crisis requires immediate action to bring down costs, cut red tape, and build homes more quickly. The Government of Canada is stepping up with a bold new approach to increase the supply of housing in Canada.

Central to that work, the Government of Canada launched Build Canada Homes, which will help increase the pace of affordable homebuilding to increase housing supply. Build Canada Homes will also help fight homelessness by building transitional and supportive housing – working with provinces, territories, municipalities, and Indigenous communities. It will build deeply affordable and community housing for low-income households, and partner with private market developers to build affordable homes for the Canadian middle class.

As part of the Government of Canada’s broader efforts to respond to the housing crisis, work is being done across the housing continuum to respond to the needs of communities across Canada.  

Today, the federal and provincial governments announced over $510,000 in combined funding through the Canada–Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) an initiative from the Canada-Ontario Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy.

Caledonia 3 is located at 1B Lions Road in Dutton, Ontario and is a new three-storey apartment building. The project includes 33 new units for seniors, with 17 of them supported through COCHI funding to maintain affordability.

The building meets energy efficiency standards and includes seven barrier free units, along with a common laundry room, elevator, and shared community space. It is within a short walk of downtown amenities and situated beside a long-term care home and daycare.

The past year has revealed there are limits to Canada’s economic independence. Budget 2025 is tackling that challenge head on. It is our plan to take control and build the future we want for ourselves. It is our plan to Build Canada Strong.

Quotes:

Our government is committed to providing communities the support they need to develop local solutions to homelessness. Access to adequate, affordable housing is the foundation for socio-economic success. It supports better education and health outcomes, better employment prospects, and better community engagement not to mention economic growth and financial security.” – The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada

“We are working hand‑in‑hand with all levels of government to strengthen our communities and protect our most vulnerable. Today’s announcement in Dutton stands as a testament to the power of that collaboration. Caledonia 3 is far more than a building; it is a place where seniors can have a home, build community, and live in comfort and security. – The Honourable Rob Flack, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

“Congratulations to the Dutton and District Lions Club on the completion of Caledonia 3. This development represents a significant investment in our community by providing much-needed, affordable housing for seniors and reflects a strong commitment to strengthening our community by working together with all levels of government.” – Mike Hentz, Mayor of Municipality of Dutton Dunwich.

Quick Facts:

• The National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10+ year, $115+ billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly on the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) website. The Housing and Infrastructure Project Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed.
  • As of September 2025, the federal government has committed $74.08 billion to support the creation of over 183,200 units and the repair of over 328,800 units. These measures prioritize those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children fleeing violence.
  • NHS is built on strong partnerships between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, and continuous engagement with others, including municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, and the social and private housing sectors. This includes consultations with Canadians from all walks of life, and people with lived experience of housing need.
• The Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) provides funding to repair, regenerate and expand community housing so tenants can live in a home that is affordable. It can also be used to support community housing providers whose original program arrangements are expiring and help them to become more sustainable. 

Additional Information:

• Visit canada.ca/housing for the most-requested Government of Canada housing information. 
• Build Canada Homes is ready to partner with organizations committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing across Canada. Learn more about the portal and the Investment Policy Framework.
• CMHC plays a critical role as a national convenor to promote stability and sustainability in Canada’s housing finance system. CMHC’s mortgage insurance products support access to home ownership and the creation and maintenance of rental supply. CMHC research and data help inform housing policy. By facilitating cooperation between all levels of government, private and non-profit sectors, CMHC contributes to advancing housing affordability, equity, and climate compatibility. CMHC actively supports the Government of Canada in delivering on its commitment to make housing more affordable. Follow CMHC on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.  
• The Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025, helps speed up the construction of new homes and infrastructure by streamlining development processes and reducing costs, in partnership with municipalities.  
• For more information on affordable housing in Ontario, visit ontario.ca/affordablehousing or follow us on X. 

SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)

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Appointment accelerates PLACE’s strategy to build a unified, scalable homeownership platform

BELLINGHAM, Wash., Jan. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — PLACE, a vertically integrated real estate and homeownership platform, announced today that Chris Heller has joined the company as its first Chief Revenue Officer.

PLACE is executing a long-term strategy to consolidate fragmented parts of the homeownership journey—real estate, mortgage, title, insurance, and home services—into a single, consumer-centric platform. By pairing this integrated infrastructure with the industry’s top-performing agents and teams, PLACE is building a repeatable, high-margin model designed to drive durable revenue, higher lifetime value, and increased consumer retention.

“For years, I’ve watched PLACE methodically build the infrastructure required to support scale,” said Heller. “What’s compelling about PLACE is that it’s no longer just enabling transactions—it’s assembling a full homeownership platform with multiple revenue streams, strong unit economics, and long-term consumer relationships. That’s where real value gets created.”

Heller brings more than three decades of experience spanning brokerage, mortgage, and proptech leadership. He has personally sold over 4,000 homes, led Keller Williams Realty International as CEO during a period of global expansion, served as CEO of LoanDepot’s mellohome, and most recently as President of OJO Labs, which was acquired by Lower Mortgage last year. He will stay involved as an advisor for Lower.

According to co-founder Ben Kinney, “Chris’s career uniquely bridges frontline production, enterprise leadership, and consumer technology—experience directly aligned with PLACE’s next phase of growth.”

As Chief Revenue Officer, Heller will oversee revenue strategy across PLACE’s portfolio of technology and services, aligning go-to-market execution, pricing, customer acquisition, retention, and cross-platform monetization. His mandate includes optimizing revenue performance across existing business units while unlocking incremental growth through tighter integration of consumer touchpoints across the homeownership lifecycle.

“PLACE was built with scale in mind from day one,” said Ben Kinney, Co-Founder of PLACE. “Chris understands how to connect platform strategy, revenue architecture, and consumer experience. As we continue expanding PLACE into a comprehensive homeownership ecosystem, his leadership is a force multiplier.”

PLACE’s model centers on leveraging trusted agent relationships to anchor long-term consumer engagement, while delivering centralized infrastructure that lowers operating costs, improves conversion, and expands revenue per household over time. Heller’s role will further institutionalize this model by aligning sales, operations, and product strategy around measurable growth outcomes.

“Chris brings rare perspective—he’s operated at scale, built consumer platforms, and understands how capital, technology, and distribution intersect,” said Chris Suarez, Co-Founder of PLACE. “That perspective is critical as PLACE continues to mature into a platform with both strategic and financial leverage.”

Earlier this month, PLACE announced several additional senior leadership hires to support its next phase of growth, including Vice President of Growth Nikki Miller, General Counsel Jamie Jatzlau, and Senior Vice President of Title Operations and Strategy Claire Dunham.

About PLACE
PLACE is a category-defining real estate and homeownership technology platform that partners with top real estate agents and teams to deliver integrated technology, business services, and an end-to-end consumer experience. PLACE operates across real estate, mortgage, title, insurance, and home services, creating a seamless journey from search to closing and beyond. For more information, visit www.PLACE.com.

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SOURCE PLACE Inc.

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TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hyde Park Capital announced that its clients—Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists (SOS), Specialists’ One-Day Surgery (SODS), New York Spine & Wellness Center (NYS&WC), and Heritage One Day Surgery (HODS)—collectively recognized as leading providers of musculoskeletal services in Central New York, have entered into a partnership with Evolve Orthopedic Partners (Evolve). Hyde Park Capital served as the exclusive investment banker to SOS, SODS, HODS, & NYS&WC for this transaction. Arnold & Porter served as legal counsel to SOS, SODS, HODS, & NYS&WC.

“Bringing these leading practices and ambulatory surgery centers with OrthoNY under a unified network is more than a partnership—it’s a commitment to shaping the future of musculoskeletal care,” said Jerry Tillinger, CEO of Evolve. “Together, we are creating a seamless, patient-centered network that leverages the expertise of every provider to deliver exceptional outcomes, advance innovation, and set a new standard for orthopedic and pain management care across Upstate New York.”

“This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for our practices,” said Todd Battaglia, MD, President of Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists. “We are truly grateful for the expertise and dedication of the Hyde Park Capital team, whose guidance was instrumental in bringing us together with Evolve Orthopedic Partners. We look forward to working collaboratively to advance musculoskeletal care for our patients and the greater Syracuse community.”

Josh Paul, Director at Hyde Park Capital reflected on the transaction: “It has been a privilege to advise all four entities involved in this transaction. Their partnership with Evolve Orthopedic Partners creates a best-in-class musculoskeletal platform in the northeast. Our team is very proud of the outcome of this process and the value created, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Hyde Park Capital continues to be very active advising physician practice management groups in the orthopedics, pain and surgery center sectors and are excited to see how this partnership shapes musculoskeletal care in Upstate New York and beyond.”

About Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists (SOS)

Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists is Central New York’s regional leader in providing high-quality, comprehensive orthopedic care. Founded in 1999, its team of experienced orthopedic physicians and support staff offer state-of-the-art care, from diagnosis and treatment to rehabilitation and recovery. For more information, visit www.sosbones.com.

About New York Spine & Wellness Center (NYS&WC)

The New York Spine and Wellness Center works to provide compassionate, state-of-the-art interventional spine and wellness care for its patients. NYS&WC works to improve the quality of life by diminishing pain, developing the ability to cope with pain, promoting functionality and work capacity and enhancing its patients’ wellness. For more information, visit www.nyspineandwellness.com.

About Evolve Orthopedic Partners

Evolve Orthopedic Partners is a physician-led orthopedic practice and ambulatory surgery center MSO that delivers the operational support, strategic guidance and experienced leadership that physicians need to thrive – without compromising their independence or identity. By seamlessly managing the complexities of practice and ambulatory surgery center administration behind the scenes, Evolve enables physicians to focus on delivering exceptional patient care. For more information, please visit www.evolveorthopedic.com.

About Hyde Park Capital

Hyde Park Capital is a boutique investment banking firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions of successful founder and family-owned companies. Hyde Park Capital’s principals have extensive investment banking experience, including managing sell-side and buy-side transactions, recapitalizations, financial advisory assignments, fairness opinions, raising growth and acquisition capital for companies, including equity, mezzanine, senior debt, and project finance. Hyde Park Capital has bankers who specialize in numerous industry sectors, including healthcare, industrials, business services, technology, consumer, and cleantech/power finance particularly in connection with data centers. This transaction represents another successful engagement closed by Hyde Park Capital within the healthcare sector more broadly and the musculoskeletal sector more narrowly. Hyde Park Capital is headquartered in Tampa, Florida, with additional offices in Nashville, Tennessee, and San Francisco, California, and is a member of FINRA and SIPC. For additional information, please visit www.hydeparkcapital.com.

Media Contacts:

Josh Paul

Director

jpaul@hydeparkcapital.com

Joe Pennington

Senior Vice President

pennington@hydeparkcapital.com

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SOURCE Hyde Park Capital

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SEATTLE, Jan. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — happyactually, a wellbeing technology company focused on empowering life-conscious individuals through evidence-based, holistic insights, today officially announced the appointment of Dr. Andia Shahzadi as Chief Medical Officer and Founding Member.

Dr. Shahzadi brings a deep clinical perspective to happyactually’s mission, grounded in years of working closely with patients and families during moments of profound vulnerability. Her experience informs the company’s commitment to building wellbeing tools that are not only scientifically informed, but also deeply human.

“Through my clinical work, I’ve seen firsthand how a person’s internal landscape, their emotional resilience, sense of meaning, and self-awareness, shapes health outcomes,” said Dr. Shahzadi. “Happiness is not abstract. It has patterns, determinants, and moments of awareness that can be measured, strengthened, and supported with the right tools and practices.”

As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shahzadi will guide happyactually’s clinical integrity, ethical standards, and alignment with health and wellbeing best practices. She will play a central role in ensuring that the platform’s insights respect the complexity of human health while empowering users with agency and understanding.

“What drew me to happyactually is its focus on helping people understand where they are in their wellbeing journey,” Dr. Shahzadi added. “With awareness comes choice, and with choice comes the possibility of a more grounded, meaningful, and fulfilling life.”

Dr. Shahzadi joins a multidisciplinary founding team spanning technology, research, medicine, and product development. Together, the team is building a platform designed to help individuals across life stages make sense of their wellbeing and take actionable steps toward thriving.

“Our platform must honor both science and lived experience,” said Miriam Schwarz, Founder and CEO of happyactually. “Dr. Shahzadi brings a rare depth of clinical insight and compassion that strengthens everything we are building.”

Media Contact:

Dr. Maren Wright Voss
Scientific Advisor and Chief Happiness Officer
maren@happyactually.com
206-800-8007

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SOURCE happyactually LLC

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PITTSBURGH, Jan. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — “I wanted to upgrade and modernize how bottle jacks are operated,” said an inventor, from Evening Shade, Ark., “so I invented the SWIFT LIFT. My design offers a safe, fast and effective alternative to standard mechanical jacks or pneumatic jacks.”

The invention provides a battery-powered bottle jack. In doing so, it eliminates the need to manually pump or crank a handle to operate a jack. As a result, it increases safety and convenience. It also saves time and effort. The invention features a portable design that is easy to use so it is ideal for anyone that drives or services/repairs vehicles, motorists, automotive do-it-yourselfers, and professional mechanics.

The original design was submitted to the National sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 24-OSK-409, InventHelp, 100 Beecham Drive, Suite 110, Pittsburgh, PA 15205-9801, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp’s Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.

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SOURCE InventHelp

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Photo available here

• Nuclear fuel supplier to create nearly 430 jobs and invest more than $560 million in Oak Ridge
• Project supports large-scale restoration of domestic uranium enrichment capability

OAK RIDGE, Tenn., Jan. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Centrus Energy President and CEO Amir Vexler announced today that Centrus (NYSE: LEU) plans a major expansion in East Tennessee, transitioning its Oak Ridge facility to a high-rate manufacturing plant.

As part of the expansion, Centrus plans to create nearly 430 new jobs and invest more than $560 million in Anderson County over the next several years to support both the growth in workforce and investment in the production of thousands of advanced centrifuges.

Today’s announcement supports Centrus’ recently announced plans for a major expansion of its Ohio uranium enrichment plant, which will help the company meet America’s commercial and national security requirements. The first new centrifuges produced in Tennessee are expected to come online in Ohio in 2029.

Centrus’ Technology and Manufacturing Center in Oak Ridge is the only uranium enrichment centrifuge manufacturing facility in the U.S. The company recently was awarded funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to expand its uranium enrichment plant in Ohio with centrifuges produced in Tennessee.

Centrus is the eighth company to utilize funding from Tennessee’s Nuclear Energy Fund. The $50 million fund was in Gov. Lee’s recommended 2023-2024 budget and approved by the Tennessee General Assembly. An additional $10 million was allocated and approved in the state’s budget during both the 2024 and 2025 legislative sessions, bringing the fund’s total to $70 million since its inception.

QUOTES
“Companies nationwide recognize that Tennessee is the nation’s epicenter for new nuclear, and I am grateful for Centrus’ continued investment in the Volunteer State. These 400 new jobs will create greater opportunity for Tennesseans and advance our state’s position as a leader in energy independence.” – Gov. Bill Lee

“Tennessee is rapidly becoming a leader in clean energy, and I’m proud to announce additional jobs and investment alongside Centrus today. Through strategic investments from our state’s Nuclear Energy Fund, we are strengthening Tennessee’s nuclear infrastructure and advancing the technology and education needed to support it. We appreciate Centrus’ commitment to the next generation of clean energy and look forward to the positive impact this investment will bring to our state.” – Deputy Gov. and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter

“We are proud to be leading the effort to restore America’s ability to enrich uranium at scale – using American technology, built by American workers right here in Tennessee. These advanced centrifuges are essential to meeting America’s energy security and national security requirements. We are honored to be a part of the vibrant ecosystem of nuclear energy leaders in East Tennessee and grateful for the strong support of federal, state and local leaders here.” – Amir Vexler, CEO, Centrus

“TVA is proud to support Centrus as they expand their operations in Oak Ridge. This investment and the creation of more than 400 high-quality jobs underscore the region’s role as a hub for nuclear innovation and advanced manufacturing. TVA is committed to powering economic growth and partnering with companies like Centrus to strengthen energy security and drive progress for the communities we serve.” – Don Moul, president and CEO, TVA

“Centrus has been an outstanding corporate citizen, and its continued growth reflects both the long-term stability of Anderson County and the unmatched advantages of doing business in the Oak Ridge Corridor. This announcement is a powerful statement of confidence in our community, our people, our work ethic and the strength of our partnerships across local, state and federal levels. Centrus’ investment strengthens our position as a national hub for next-generation nuclear and advanced manufacturing, and we are grateful to TNECD and our regional partners for helping ensure Tennessee remains the destination for transformative, future-defining industries.” – Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank

“Oak Ridge is proud to support the growth of Centrus Energy in our community. The expansion of their operations and the integration of Centrus’s advanced technology signal a return to American leadership in nuclear energy, an area where Oak Ridge has long played a critical role. As these operations come online, they will bring new, well-paying jobs and meaningful economic opportunity for the people of our community.” – Oak Ridge Mayor Warren Gooch

“Centrus is a leader in advanced nuclear fuel technology, and the company’s decision to invest and create jobs in Tennessee underscores our state’s strength in high-tech manufacturing and energy innovation. We are proud to partner with a company that is helping power America’s future while creating quality jobs for Tennesseans.” – Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge)

“I’m thrilled to hear that Centrus is expanding its operations here in Anderson County. They have been a phenomenal business partner in Oak Ridge, and this significant investment will strengthen our local economy and support families across the region. I am grateful for Centrus’ continued commitment to our community and look forward to their continued success.” – Rep. Rick Scarbrough (R-Oak Ridge)

About Centrus
Centrus Energy is a trusted American supplier of nuclear fuel and services for the nuclear power industry, helping meet the growing need for clean, affordable, carbon-free energy. Since 1998, the Company has provided its utility customers with more than 1,850 reactor years of fuel, which is equivalent to more than 7 billion tons of coal.

With world-class technical and engineering capabilities, Centrus is pioneering production of High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium and is leading the effort to restore America’s uranium enrichment capabilities at scale so that we can meet our clean energy, energy security, and national security needs. Find out more at www.centrusenergy.com.

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD)
TNECD is the state’s primary agency committed to fostering economic growth through job creation and community development. By attracting new corporate investment and facilitating the growth of existing businesses, the department works to strengthen Tennessee’s competitive landscape. Additionally, TNECD strives to increase the economic prosperity for all Tennesseans by providing grants to communities statewide, helping them to become vibrant, business-friendly environments where companies can flourish. For more information, visit us at tnecd.com. Join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

Media Contacts
Centrus
Media: Dan Leistikow
LeistikowD@centrusenergy.com
Investors: Neal Nagarajan
NagarajanNK@centrusenergy.com

TNECD
Chris O’Brien
Public Information Officer
(615) 934-5879
Chris.OBrien@tn.gov

Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “may” and other words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management’s current views and assumptions with respect to future events and operational, economic and financial performance. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control.

For Centrus Energy Corp., particular factors that involve uncertainty and could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements and which are, and may be, exacerbated by any worsening of the global business and economic environment include but are not limited to the following: geopolitical conflicts, including the war in Ukraine; market demand and competition; changes in economic or industry conditions; supply chain disruptions; the imposition of tariffs and/or sanctions that impact our ability to obtain, deliver, transport, or sell LEU or the SWU and natural uranium hexafluoride components of LEU delivered to us under the TENEX Supply Contract or other supply contracts or make related payments or deliveries of natural uranium hexafluoride to TENEX; regulatory approvals and compliance requirements; technological changes; DOE procurement decisions; U.S. government appropriations; government decisions regarding, our lease with the DOE in Piketon, Ohio, including with respect to the term and the scope of permitted activities; our ability to attract qualified employees necessary for the potential expansion of our operations in Oak Ridge, Tennessee or Piketon, Ohio; and our ability to execute our strategic initiatives.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made in this news release and in our filings with the SEC, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, under Part II, Item 1A – “Risk Factors” in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and in our other filings with the SEC that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

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SOURCE Centrus Energy Corp.

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NEW YORK, Jan. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the US declined by 0.3% in November 2025 to 97.9 (2016=100), after declining by 0.1% in October to 98.2, down from 98.3 in September. Overall, the LEI fell by 1.2% over the six months between May and November 2025, a much more moderate rate of decline than its 2.6% contraction over the previous six-month period (November 2024 to May 2025).

“The US LEI fell again in both October and November,” said Justyna Zabinska-La Monica, Senior Manager, Business Cycle Indicators, at The Conference Board. “Throughout 2025, weak consumers expectations led the decline in the LEI, followed by new orders. The remaining components of the leading index were relatively muted in November, with the strongest positive contributions coming from labor market data, like initial claims for unemployment insurance and weekly hours worked in manufacturing. Despite real GDP growth hitting 4.4% in Q3 2025, the LEI continues to suggest that the US economy will slow in 2026.”

The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index® (CEI) for the US rose by 0.3% in November 2026 to 115.0 (2016=100), regaining ground after 0.1% declines in August, September, and October. The CEI rose by 0.3% between May and November 2025, down from its 0.9% increase over the previous six months (November 2024 to May 2025). The CEI’s four component indicators—payroll employment, personal income less transfer payments, manufacturing and trade sales, and industrial production—are included among the data used to determine recessions in the US. They all improved in November after a softer October reading. (November’s rise in manufacturing and trade sales was estimated by The Conference Board.)

The Conference Board Lagging Economic Index® (LAG) for the US inched up by 0.1% to 119.7 (2016=100) in November 2025, reversing a 0.1% decline in October. The LAG fell by 0.1% in the six months between May and November 2025, a partial reversal from the 0.9% increase over the previous six months.

NOTE: Due to a lag in publication of the Census Bureau’s building permits data for November, the series is estimated via statistical imputation using an autoregressive model.

Annual BCI Benchmark Revisions – Change in Timing
Release of the annual benchmark revisions for Business Cycle Indicator (BCI) composite economic indexes will be moved from January 2026 to June 2026. Revisions in subsequent years will also be in June. This modification ensures that the sample period fully incorporates the most recent completed calendar year of the underlying components (source data) of composite indexes (leading and coincident). This data is used for calculating standardization factors and subsequently trend adjustments.

Due to the change in revision release timing from January to June, the cutoff for incorporating source data revisions into the benchmark process will shift accordingly:

• For the next benchmark revision in June 2026, the cutoff used for calculating standardization factors and trend adjustment will be December 2025, rather than December 2024.
• This change in timing allows the volatility calculations and factor updates to reflect a more complete dataset prior to the annual recalculation of the historical composite indexes.

The next release will be announced at later date based on data releases from Census Bureau. 

About The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) and Coincident Economic Index® (CEI) for the US
The composite economic indexes are key elements in an analytic system designed to signal peaks and troughs in the business cycle. Comprised of multiple independent indicators, the indexes are constructed to summarize and reveal common turning points in the economy in a clearer and more convincing manner than any individual component.

The CEI reflects current economic conditions and is highly correlated with real GDP. The LEI is a predictive tool that anticipates—or “leads”—turning points in the business cycle by around seven months.

The ten components of the Leading Economic Index® for the US are:

• Average weekly hours in manufacturing
• Average weekly initial claims for unemployment insurance
• Manufacturers’ new orders for consumer goods and materials
• ISM^® Index of New Orders
• Manufacturers’ new orders for nondefense capital goods excluding aircraft orders
• Building permits for new private housing units
• S&P 500^® Index of Stock Prices
• Leading Credit Index
• Interest rate spread (10-year Treasury bonds less federal funds rate)
• Average consumer expectations for business conditions

The four components of the Coincident Economic Index® for the US are:

• Payroll employment
• Personal income less transfer payments
• Manufacturing and trade sales
• Industrial production

To access data, please visit: https://data-central.conference-board.org/

About The Conference Board
The Conference Board is the member-driven think tank that delivers Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead®. Founded in 1916, we are a non-partisan, not-for-profit entity holding 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status in the United States. TCB.org 

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SOURCE The Conference Board

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Big box loses ground: Why Ace and Menards are winning on the moments that decide loyalty

Home Improvement study reveals what’s driving shoppers away from big box and toward local service excellence

PEACHTREE CORNERS, Ga., Jan. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In Market Force Information’s 2025 Home Improvement Retail Benchmark Study, Ace Hardware and Menards earned the highest Customer Experience (CX) scores in the category, outperforming national big box competitors on the factors most tied to loyalty: helpful staff, store ease, and trust. While Home Depot and Lowe’s continue to lead purchase share, consumer feedback signals a shift—service and confidence are increasingly determining where shoppers choose to spend.

While Home Depot still leads in purchase share at 45.9%, followed by Lowe’s at 31.8%, customers are sending a clear message: service and trust now trump scale. Large retailers should take note of customer needs for service and adjust their retail models to try and retain customers they may have won with low prices. Smaller retailers should double-down on service to retain and grow a customer base that values a service-defined experience. 

Where Ace and Menards Beat Big Box
Both Ace Hardware and Menards posted industry-leading Customer Experience (CX) scores—58.0 and 57.7 respectively, far above the industry average. Ace, in particular, lives up to its tagline as “The Helpful Place,” topping all brands in assistance availability (55.8%) and satisfaction with help received.

“This year’s results show that great experiences still beat great advertising,” said David Murray, Senior Director of Customer Experience Strategy at Market Force Information. “Shoppers reward brands that make their lives easier—clean stores, fast checkouts, helpful staff, and real value. That’s where Ace and Menards shine.”

Menards also stands out for store layout, product variety, and price competitiveness, outperforming even the national giants in areas where shoppers traditionally report the most frustration.

The Loyalty Equation: Experience Beats Footprint
When it comes to loyalty, Ace Hardware narrowly tops the Customer Loyalty Index (CLI) with a 4.61, just edging Menards (4.54) and Lowe’s (4.50).

On brand trust, the positions flip—Menards (4.38) surpasses Ace (4.29)—but both brands leave a sizable gap over big box rivals.

Interestingly, consumers still say they’ll make more future purchases at Home Depot, likely due to its sheer store footprint rather than customer experience advantages. As Murray notes, “If you’re Home Depot, you can’t take location for granted—because if there’s a Menards in town, shoppers are noticing the difference.”

What Shoppers Say Matters Most
The study found that consumers continue to prioritize:

• Location convenience
• Value and competitive pricing
• Positive prior experiences
• Rewards and loyalty programs

However, respondents also pointed to ease of finding items, store layout, and price transparency as ongoing frustrations across the category, pain points Ace and Menards are addressing better than anyone else. Service oriented retailers who begin to compete on price and convenience, while maintaining high levels of individualized service will win the battle for the home improvement consumer.

Inside the Numbers
More than 1,000 U.S. consumers participated in the 2025 study, nearly 70% with household incomes over $50,000. Half identified as DIY enthusiasts, while another 26% buy materials but hire professionals—a sign that both do-it-yourself and do-it-for-me segments are fueling growth.

Menards and Ace lead in overall satisfaction, while Home Depot and Lowe’s maintain share advantage due to scale and convenience. Walmart also appeared among the top shopped retailers, largely driven by smaller repair or seasonal project purchases. Consumer evaluations of paint brands and retailers are also available with this study. 

Download the report and see brand-by-brand rankings across CX, loyalty, trust, and key drivers: www.marketforce.com/2025-home-improvement-industry-trends

Schedule a 20-minute briefing to review implications for your stores and your competitor set:
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panel.marketforce.com/become-a-panelist

About Market Force Information
Market Force helps leading global brands improve the customer experience and operations at each location. Through an integrated services package including mystery shopping, site audits, contact center, social reviews, surveys, employee engagement and analytics Market Force drives consistent growth and profitability for its valued clients. Market Force provides solutions for restaurants, big box and specialty retail, grocery, petro-convenience, hospitality, travel, telecom, technology, energy, education, health and wellness, movie studios and theatres, fitness, financial services, gaming, CPG, alcohol and tobacco, pharma, government agencies and more. Market Force is part of the MCI family of companies, alongside MCI BPO and AiCX. Learn more at: www.marketforce.com

About MCI
MCI (www.mci.world) is a U.S.-based holding company for technology and tech-enabled services brands, including MCI BPO (www.mcibpo.com) and AiCX (www.aicx.com).

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SOURCE Market Force Information

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