Scaffolding is seen at the construction site of a new home in Carlsbad
Scaffolding is seen at the construction site of a new home in Carlsbad, California September 22, 2014. U.S. manufacturing activity hovered at a near 4-1/2-year high in September and factory employment surged, supporting views of sturdy economic growth this quarter. The economic picture was further brightened by other data on Tuesday showing an acceleration in factory and services industry growth in some areas of the country. Housing, however, continues to plod along, with home price gains decelerating sharply in July. Picture taken September 22, 2014. REUTERS/Mike Blake (UNITED STATES - Tags: BUSINESS CONSTRUCTION REAL ESTATE)