AGC Reports on Construction Employment Difficulties, Steps to Avert Shortages

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Construction employment stagnated in August, while the industry unemployment rate fell and a majority of companies reported difficulty finding workers, according to an analysis of new government data and an industry survey by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials called for education and immigration reform measures needed to ensure an adequate supply of skilled workers. “After a strong rebound in 2012, construction hiring and spending have been stuck in neutral through most of 2013,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Yet the unemployment rate for former construction workers hit the lowest August level in five years, suggesting … Read more

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Nonresidential Construction Index Remains Constant

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RALEIGH, N.C. — FMI announced the release of the 2013 Third Quarter Nonresidential Construction Index report. The NRCI score of 60.3 is a .2-point improvement over Q2. Although the numbers aren"t drastically rising, the sustainability and continuing upward movement is encouraging. This score remains the highest score for the NRCI index since Q1 2009. The index for the overall economy rose to 72 points and the combined index sentiment for economies where panelists are doing business rose 3.2 points. Cost of construction materials and cost of labor and productivity continue to hold down the index. Additionally, investments in technology, equipment … Read more

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Construction Employment Increases, Remains Below Peak Levels

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Construction employment gains spread to more metropolitan areas between July 2012 and July 2013 than in previous months but full recovery remained elusive as only a few areas have exceeded pre-recession employment records, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that despite the gains, construction employment remains below peak levels in most metro areas. “The good news is that 201 metro areas added construction jobs in the past year, the largest number with year-over-year gains since March 2012,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “But … Read more

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Positive Trend Continues for Architecture Billings Index

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Architecture Billings Index saw a jump of more than a full point last month, indicating acceleration in the growth of design activity nationally.   As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine- to 12-month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending.   The American Institute of Architects reported the July ABI score was 52.7, up from a mark of 51.6 in June.   This score reflects an increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings).   The new projects inquiry index was … Read more

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ABC Construction Economic Update: Nonresidential Fixed Investment in Structures Expands 4.6%

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Nonresidential fixed investment in structures expanded 4.6 percent on an annualized basis during the second quarter of 2013, according to the July 31 gross domestic product report by the U.S. Commerce Department. This increase followed a 4.6 percent decline in the first quarter of the year. Fixed investment in equipment rose 4.1 percent in the second quarter and overall investment in structures expanded 6.8 percent. Residential fixed investment increased 13.4 percent following 12.5 percent expansion in the first quarter. Fixed investment in the nation's residential sector has been growing at a double-digit clip since the third quarter of 2012. Personal … Read more

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