Dodge Momentum Index Makes Third Straight Gain in June

NEW YORK, N.Y. The Dodge Momentum Index gained 3.3 percent in June to 128.7 (2000=100), its third consecutive increase following hesitation in February and March, according to McGraw Hill Construction, a division of McGraw Hill Financial.

The Momentum Index is a monthly measure of the first (or initial) report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. The Dodge Momentum Index appears to be recovering from the weather-induced softness early in the year. Aided by this recent strengthening, the Momentum Index was a healthy 22.6 percent higher in June than a year earlier. Moreover, the growing volume of projects at the planning stage suggests that nonresidential construction starts should be headed higher over the remainder of the year.

This month's increase in the Momentum Index was the result of a strong 8.3 percent surge in commercial building plans. At the same time, the institutional side of the market retreated in June, with new projects at the planning stage slipping 4 percent. Five commercial projects valued at $100 million or more entered planning in June to support the increase. These include the $250-million Kroger Distribution facility in Forest Park, Georgia, the $200-million Skyplex Retail and Entertainment Complex in Orlando, Florida, a $200-million hotel at the Maryland Live Casino location in Hanover, Maryland, a $100-million warehouse at the LogistiCenter in Logan, New Jersey and the $100-million retail portion of The Haven Outlet Shops in West Haven, Connecticut.