NEW YORK, N.Y. — The Dodge Momentum Index rose 0.8 percent in April to 122.6 (2000=100) from March's 121.6, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. 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. April's slight rise shows planning activity beginning to edge up once again after retreating 2.5 percent in March, continuing the up-and-down pattern that's been present so far in 2015. Although the planning statistics have essentially plateaued in early 2015, the level … Read more

Prices for inputs to construction industries expanded 0.8 percent in March, the largest monthly increase in more than two years, according to the April 14 producer price index release by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Prices have now expanded for two consecutive months after declining during the prior six; however, input prices are down 3.6 percent on a year-over-year basis. March marks the fourth consecutive month year-over-year input prices have declined, the longest such streak since 2009. Crude petroleum prices fell 4 percent in March and have fallen in eight of the previous nine months. “Although overall construction materials prices … Read more