The Labor Department says U.S. import prices for September jumped 0.7%. In the last 12 months import prices climbed 2.7%. Prices for imported oil increased 4.5% and food prices surged 1.8%. Export prices rose 0.8%. Export prices increased 2.9% year-on-year.

Industrial production rebounded in September rising 0.3%.
Capacity utilization rose to 76%. Industrial production fell at a 1.5% annual rate in Q3, but the index would have risen at least 0.5% if not for the hurricanes. (Market Watch)

The National Association of Home Builders sentiment index rose 4 points to 68, the highest level since May. Homebuilders cited the labor shortage nationwide as their greatest barrier. Builders are also seeing more demand stemming from the very short supply of existing homes for sale. (NAHB)

When the most recent recession began in December 2007, the number of unemployed people per job opening was 1.9. When the recession ended in June 2009, there were 6.1 unemployed people per job opening. The ratio peaked at 6.6 unemployed people per job opening in July 2009 and trended downward until reaching now historic lows of 1.2 unemployed per job opening. (BLS)

With Northwest Quadrant Wealth Management, a Registered Investment Advisor I am Troy Reinhart.