Architecture Billings Bounce Back

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – After a stand-alone month of contracting demand for design services, there was a modest uptick in the Architecture Billings Index for October. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate 9-12-month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects reported the October ABI score was 51.7, up from a score of 49.1 in the previous month. This score reflects an increase in design services provided by U.S. architecture firms (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 60.2, up from … Read more

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Hurricane Recovery Helps Construction Unemployment Rate Hit Lowest October Mark on Record

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The not seasonally adjusted national construction unemployment rate was 4.5 percent in October, down 1.2 percent from a year ago, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. It was the lowest October rate on record, matching the rate in 2006, according to analysis released today by Associated Builders and Contractors. Further, the construction industry employed 180,000 more workers than in October 2016. Construction unemployment rates were also down in 44 states on a year-over-year basis, unchanged in one (South Dakota) and up in five states. “Recovery from the various hurricanes that hit the United States appeared to … Read more

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October Construction Starts Fall 9 Percent

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NEW YORK, N.Y. – New construction starts in October dropped 9 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $742.9 billion, pulling back after a 14 percent jump in September, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. Over the past two months the pattern for total construction starts was shaped by nonresidential building, which fell 30 percent in October after soaring 37 percent in September. Although nonresidential building in October did include the start of several very large projects, led by the $1.1-billion new ballpark for the Texas Rangers in Arlington Texas, they were not the same magnitude as the three … Read more

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Dodge Momentum Index Recovers in October

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NEW YORK, N. Y. – The Dodge Momentum Index rose in October, climbing 13.2 percent to 130.9 (2000=100) from the revised September reading of 115.6. 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 move higher in October nearly reversed the erosion of the past four months (including September’s 7.9 percent decline), with October posting healthy gains in both sectors. From September to October the commercial portion of the momentum index advanced 16.8 percent, … Read more

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Construction Industry Adds 11,000 Jobs in October and 187,600 During 2017, Hourly Earnings Continue to Rise

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Construction employment increased by 11,000 jobs in October to the highest level in nine years, while the industry’s unemployment rate fell to 4.5 percent, the lowest October rate since 2006, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that while hurricane recovery work may have helped boost employment in the sector, most of the gains are occurring because of strong demand for many types of private-sector projects across much of the country. “The construction industry continues to contribute to the nation’s economic expansion, adding jobs at double the rate of … Read more

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