WASHINGTON, D.C. — Associated Builders and Contractors Chief Economist Anirban Basu, American Institute of Architects Chief Economist Kermit Baker and National Association of Home Builders Chief Economist David Crowe recently provided a collaborative economic forecast combining their expert economic analysis on leading, present and lagging economic indicators. “A combination of low interest rates, wealth effects stemming from a booming stock market and rising home prices, surging energy production and expanding industrial output has helped position the U.S. economy for more rapid growth during the next several quarters,” said Anirban Basu. “This will lead to more robust recovery in the U.S. … Read more
Domestic Nonresidential Markets Maintain Growth Trajectory in the Second Quarter
Turner Construction Company announced that the Second Quarter 2014 Turner Building Cost Index—which measures costs in the nonresidential building construction market in the United States—has increased to a value of 896. This reflects a 1.24 percent increase from the First Quarter 2014 and 4.31 percent yearly increase from the Second Quarter 2013. Growth in nonresidential construction costs continues in the second quarter in virtually all domestic markets. Construction cost escalation is greater in urban centers experiencing high levels of construction activity and in markets with mega projects. The labor cost component in markets experiencing increased volumes of construction activity and … Read more
AGC Releases July Construction Unemployment Rate, Spending
New government data today show the uneven nature of the construction industry's recovery, as the sector added 22,000 jobs in July, but suffered a pullback in spending in June, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that uncertainty about federal funding for a range of infrastructure and construction programs is one reason for the uneven recovery. “Construction employment and spending are both rising at a moderate year-over-year clip, but there have been some setbacks,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “While prospects for private construction remain largely favorable, inadequate public investment still … Read more
Construction Employment Increases Between June 2013, June 2014
Construction employment expanded in 215 metro areas, declined in 80 and was stagnant in 44 between June 2013 and June 2014, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that uncertainty about a range of federal infrastructure and construction programs could weigh on future growth for the sector. “Contractors have been expanding their work force in about two-thirds of the country for several months in a row,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Some metro areas are adding workers at a strong clip, but the gains remain … Read more
Nonresidential Building Activity Expected in Increase in 2015
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Due to the weather-related slow start in the nonresidential building market during the first part of the year, and the prolonged weakness in the institutional sector, construction spending projections for the rest of the year have been lowered slightly. The commercial construction sector is still looking at solid spending increases throughout the remainder of 2014, paced by high levels of demand for hotels and office buildings. The American Institute of Architects" semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey of the nation's leading construction forecasters, is projecting that spending will see a 4.9 percent increase in 2014 — down … Read more





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