Sluggish U.S. Construction Industry Shows No Signs of Momentum

PHOENIX, Ariz. — Rider Levett Bucknall reports that the mainland U.S. construction industry continued its slow growth forward in the last quarter, with no signs of gaining momentum. The report also states that activity for construction put-in-place increased just 1.7 percent above June 2014 figures while the unemployment rate for construction laborers increased during the same period, falling to 7.5 percent in April 2015. The firm reported its findings in its newly released Second Quarter 2015 USA Construction Cost Report. Rider Levett Bucknall tracks construction costs in 12 major U.S. cities. From Jan. 1 through April 1, the national average … Read more

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AGC Reports on Construction Employment May Year-Over-Year

Construction employment expanded in 205 metro areas, declined in 101 and was stagnant in 52 between May 2014 and May 2015, according to a new analysis of federal employment data recently released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted even though the majority of metro areas are still adding construction jobs, the number of gainers has decreased to the lowest level since April 2013. “Although contractors are continuing to add workers in many parts of the country, construction employment stagnated or shrank in nearly half of all metro areas over the past year,” said Ken Simonson, the … Read more

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Construction Expected to Grow at Modest Rate Across Key Sectors

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Construction activities are expected to grow at 5 percent in 2015, leveling off from the previous forecast of 8 percent in Q1 2015, according to the Q2 Construction Outlook recently released by FMI Corporation. Although the prediction is significantly lower than last quarter, the outlook reports the highest total for construction put in place since 2008. “Construction spending continues to build on the rapid growth experienced in the industry last year,” said Chris Daum, senior managing director and president of Investment Banking at FMI Corporation.   The report provides forecasts for 17 sectors across residential, non-residential … Read more

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Architecture Billings Index Returns to Positive Territory

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Led by growing demand for new schools, hospitals, cultural facilities and municipal buildings, the Architecture Billings Index increased in May following its second monthly drop this year. 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 May ABI score was 51.9, up from a mark of 48.8 in April. This score reflects an increase in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 61.5, up from a reading … Read more

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Dodge Momentum Index Unchanged in May

NEW YORK, N. Y. — The Dodge Momentum Index held steady at 122.3 (2000=100) in May, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. The 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. After rising over the course of 2014, the index thus far in 2015 has been basically flat, consistent with other measures highlighting sluggish economic conditions. Even with this near-term pause, the index in May was still up 6.1 percent compared to the same month a … Read more

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