ABC: Monthly Construction Input Prices Fall Sharply in December

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Construction input prices decreased 0.6% in December compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors’ analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data. Nonresidential construction input prices decreased 0.4% for the month. Overall construction input prices are 1.2% higher than a year ago, while nonresidential construction input prices are 1.6% higher. Prices decreased in two of the three energy subcategories last month. Crude petroleum input prices were down 13.2%, while unprocessed energy materials were down 9.1%. Natural gas prices rose 1.5% in December. “Construction input prices fell sharply in December,” said ABC Chief … Read more

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ABC: Nonresidential Construction Adds Nearly 12,000 Jobs in December

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The construction industry added 17,000 jobs on net in December, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors’ analysis of data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has grown by 197,000 jobs, an increase of 2.5%. Last month, nonresidential construction employment increased by 11,900 positions on net, with growth in two of the three subcategories. Nonresidential building added 8,100 positions, while nonresidential specialty trade added 4,300 jobs on net. Heavy and civil engineering lost 500 jobs. The construction unemployment rate fell to 4.4% in December. Unemployment across all industries remained unchanged at 3.7% … Read more

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Construction Industry Adds 17,000 Workers

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The construction sector added 17,000 employees in December and continued to raise wages at a faster clip than other industries, the Associated General Contractors of America reported in an analysis of government data released today. Association officials said the survey it released this week found contractors expect to hire more employees in 2024 but are struggling to find enough qualified workers. Construction employment in December totaled 8,056,000, seasonally adjusted, an increase of 17,000 from November. The sector has added 197,000 jobs during the past 12 months. That was a gain of 2.5%, which outpaced the 1.7% job growth in the overall economy. … Read more

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Construction Job Openings Rise to Highest Level Since 2022, Says ABC

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The construction industry had 459,000 job openings on the last day of November, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey. JOLTS defines a job opening as any unfilled position for which an employer is actively recruiting. Industry job openings increased by 43,000 last month and are up by 111,000 from the same time last year. “The number of open, unfilled construction positions increased to the highest level since the end of 2022,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “November’s 5.4% job opening rate is … Read more

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Dodge Momentum Index: Nonresidential Planning Activity Remains Historically Elevated

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The Dodge Momentum Index , issued by Dodge Construction Network, decreased 1% in November to 179.2 (2000=100) from the revised October reading of 181.7. Over the month, the commercial and institutional components both fell 1%. “While both portions of the Momentum Index saw slower momentum in planning, overall levels remain steady and will support construction spending in 2024 and 2025,” stated Sarah Martin, associate director of forecasting for DCN. “Nonresidential planning activity will remain constrained from stronger growth amidst ongoing labor and construction cost challenges.” Excluding data center activity, all commercial segments saw declines in November. On the institutional side, … Read more

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