Modest Expansion for Architecture Billings Index

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Architecture Billings Index saw a dip into negative terrain for the first time in five months in January, but inched back up in February with a small increase in demand for design services. 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 February ABI score was 50.3, up slightly from the mark of 49.6 in the previous month. This score reflects a minor increase in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). … Read more

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U.S. Construction Equipment Exports Close Out 2015 Down 19 Percent

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MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Exports of U.S.-made construction equipment ended 2015 with a 19 percent decline compared to the previous year for a total $13.9 billion shipped worldwide. All world regions experienced declines, led by Africa and South America, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, citing U.S. Department of Commerce data it uses in global market reports for members. AEM is the North American-based international business group representing the off-road equipment manufacturing industry. Year-end 2015 U.S. construction equipment exports by major world regions compared to year-end 2014: Canada dropped 18 percent, for a total $5.5 billion Asia decreased 10 percent, … Read more

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Construction Firms Add 19,000 Workers, Unemployed Workers Hits Low

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Construction firms added 19,000 workers in February, as the number of unemployed construction workers was at the lowest February total since the series started in 2000, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said, however, that sluggish gains in nonresidential construction employment may reflect the fact contractors are having difficulty finding workers to keep up with growing demand. “The overall picture for construction employment is very positive with robust job growth and very little unemployment,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Yet it appears that many nonresidential construction firms … Read more

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Salaries Remain High in Construction Industry

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ALACHUA, Fla. – Skilled craft professionals continue to earn top dollar, according to NCCER’s 2015 Construction Craft Salary Survey. Each year, NCCER surveys companies and organizations from the industrial and commercial construction industries across the U.S about the salaries of their craft professionals. The Construction Craft Salary Survey represents average annual salaries for individual craft areas, not including overtime, per diem, bonuses or other incentives. Of the nearly 90 construction groups surveyed, average annual salaries for craft professions ranged from just over $47,000 to almost $89,000. Project managers and project supervisors topped the list, earning $88,675 and $77,917, respectively. Other … Read more

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Dodge Momentum Index Increases in February

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NEW YORK, N.Y. – The Dodge Momentum Index climbed 0.5 percent in February to 126.1 (2000=100) from its revised January reading of 125.5. 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. February’s increase was the third consecutive month-to-month gain for the index, as a 1.0 percent pickup by commercial planning reports overcame a slight 0.1 percent decline by institutional planning. While commercial planning activity is still below the levels present throughout much of 2015, … Read more

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