ABC: Construction Materials Prices Jump 0.4% in July

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Construction input prices increased 0.4% in July compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis’ of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data released. Nonresidential construction input prices also increased 0.4% for the month. Overall construction input prices are 2.2% higher than a year ago, while nonresidential construction input prices are 2.6% higher. Prices increased in 2 of the 3 energy categories last month. Crude petroleum and unprocessed energy materials prices were up 1.7% and 0.5%, respectively, while natural gas prices decreased 2.1% in July. “Construction materials prices continued to increase too quickly … Read more

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ABC: Construction Backlog Indicator Rises, Contractor Optimism Slips in July

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Associated Builders and Contractors reported that its Construction Backlog Indicator rose to 8.8 months in July, according to an ABC member survey conducted July 24 to Aug. 4. The reading is up 0.4 months since July 2024.  Backlog is up on a year-over-year basis in every region except for the South. Despite the lack of growth, backlog in the South remains significantly longer than in any other region. ABC’s Construction Confidence Index reading for sales and profit margins declined in July, while the reading for staffing levels rose to the highest level since April. The readings for all three components … Read more

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ABC: Nonresidential Construction Spending Contracts in 6 of Past 7 Months

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National nonresidential construction spending decreased 0.1% in June, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors’ analysis of data published by the U.S. Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $1.241 trillion. Spending was down on a monthly basis in 9 of the 16 nonresidential subcategories. Private nonresidential spending fell 0.3% for the month, while public nonresidential construction spending inched 0.1% higher. “Nonresidential construction spending declined in June and has now contracted in 6 of the past 7 months,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “Recent declines would be worse if not for ongoing increases in public … Read more

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ABC: Nonresidential Construction Spending Contracts in 6 of Past 7 Months

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National nonresidential construction spending decreased 0.1% in June, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors’ analysis of data published by the U.S. Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $1.241 trillion. Spending was down on a monthly basis in 9 of the 16 nonresidential subcategories. Private nonresidential spending fell 0.3% for the month, while public nonresidential construction spending inched 0.1% higher. “Nonresidential construction spending declined in June and has now contracted in 6 of the past 7 months,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “Recent declines would be worse if not for ongoing increases in public … Read more

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Dodge Construction Network: Construction Starts Grew 16% in June

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Total construction starts were up 16% in June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.33 trillion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nonresidential building starts improved by 39%, residential starts fell 1%, and nonbuilding starts grew 2% over the month. On a year-to-date basis through June, total construction starts were up 1% from last year. Nonresidential starts were up 6%, residential starts were down 5% and nonbuilding starts were 1% higher over the same period. For the 12 months ending June 2025, total construction starts were up 4% from the 12 months ending June 2024. Residential starts were down 1%, … Read more

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