Architecture Billings Index Shows Slight Contraction

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following a generally positive performance in 2015, the Architecture Billings Index has begun this year modestly dipping back into negative terrain. 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 January ABI score was 49.6, down slightly from the mark of 51.3 in the previous month. This score reflects a minor decrease in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 55.3, down from a reading of 60.5 […]

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Dodge Momentum Index Moves Higher in January

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NEW YORK, N.Y. – The Dodge Momentum Index rose 2.4 percent in January to 126.4 (2000=100) from its December reading of 123.4. 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. The increase in January was the result of a 3.3 percent increase in institutional projects, and a 1.6 percent increase in commercial projects. On a year-over-year basis, the overall index is 1.7 percent higher even though the commercial portion is down 6.8 percent. Commercial planning intentions […]

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Nonresidential Construction Market Momentum to Continue

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Construction spending greatly exceeded expectations in the nonresidential market in 2015, and this year should see healthy growth levels as well. There continues to be significant demand for hotels, office space, manufacturing facilities and amusement and recreation spaces. The American Institute of Architects’ semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey of the nation’s leading construction forecasters, is projecting that spending will increase just more than eight percent in 2016, with next year’s projection being an additional 6.7 percent gain. “While rising interest rates could pose a challenge to the U.S. economy, lower energy prices, improved employment figures and […]

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New Construction in U.S. Expected to Grow 6.5% This Year

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ATLANTA, Ga. – Construction starts in the United States are expected to increase 6.5 percent and total more than $560 billion in the coming year, according to CMD’s latest quarterly forecast report. An overall recovering economy, including wage and employment growth, increased state and federal spending on infrastructure projects and an improved investment outlook in nonresidential construction are contributing to the forecast. The report, which combines CMD’s proprietary data with macroeconomic factors and Oxford Economics econometric expertise, shows year-end growth came in slightly below expectation. A weaker fourth quarter depressed construction activity, leading to total construction starts growth of 3.7 […]

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Construction Firms Add 18,000 Workers in January, Unemployment Falls to 17-Year Low

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Construction firms added 18,000 workers in January, as the industry’s unemployment rate declined to a 17-year low of 8.5 percent, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that the number of construction jobs added in January was down compared to the last three months of 2015 and could reflect either a slowdown in nonresidential construction activity or an inability of contractors to find qualified workers. “While the construction industry continues to add jobs, the January figures mark a significant decline in the rate of growth compared to the end […]

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