JLL Research Forecasts Construction Market Evolution as Policy Shifts Define 2026

JLL Project and Development Services released its 2026 U.S. Construction Perspective, revealing how policy-driven market dynamics are creating distinct regional opportunities and competitive advantages across the construction landscape. “The construction industry is navigating an unprecedented convergence of policy impacts that are fundamentally reshaping market dynamics,” said Louis Molinini, head of project and development services for the Americas, JLL. “While much of 2025 was at a standstill due to uncertainty, we now have directional clarity that enables strategic positioning for organizations ready to move beyond reactive approaches.” Construction spending fell 4.7% in 2025, illustrating the substantial impact of market uncertainty on … Read more

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ABC Contractor Backlog, Confidence Slip in October

Associated Builders and Contractors reported that its Construction Backlog Indicator fell to 8.4 months in October, according to an ABC member survey conducted Oct. 20-Nov. 4. The reading is down 0.1 months since September but unchanged from October 2024. Backlog was flat or increased on a monthly basis in each of the three industries considered in this survey. Backlog for respondents that do not primarily operate in any one industry—generally the smallest contractors responding to the survey—fell sharply for the month and stands at just 5.8 months. ABC’s Construction Confidence Index reading for sales was unchanged in October, while the … Read more

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Associated Builders and Contractors Unveils Latest Tech Report

Associated Builders and Contractors recently released its fifth-annual construction technology report, the ABC Field Tech Report, which highlights the tools and innovations shaping project sites, showcasing the possibilities and opportunities when technology transforms construction in the field. “ABC’s fifth annual construction technology report turns the spotlight to the jobsite, where field technology is driving the next stage of progress,” said Matt Abeles, ABC vice president of construction technology and innovation. “The swift advancement of this particular technology represents a new era for our industry. These leading solutions and companies display a focus on empowering the people who build our infrastructure … Read more

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ABC: Construction Backlog Stable; Contractors Remain Optimistic, Fueled by Data Center Growth

Associated Builders and Contractors reported that its construction backlog indicator remained unchanged at 8.5 months in September, according to an ABC member survey conducted Sept. 22 to Oct. 6. The reading is down 0.1 months since September 2024. Over the past year, backlog has declined in the commercial and institutional and heavy industrial categories, while it has increased substantially in the infrastructure category. ABC’s Construction Confidence Index reading for sales declined in September, while the readings for profit margins and staffing both increased. The readings for all three components remain above the threshold of 50, indicating expectations for growth over … Read more

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ABC: Construction Materials Prices Up 0.2% in August, Driven By Iron, Steel

Construction input prices increased 0.2% in August compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data released. Nonresidential construction input prices also increased 0.2% for the month. Overall construction input prices are 2.3% higher than a year ago, while nonresidential construction input prices are 2.6% higher. Prices decreased in all three energy categories last month. Crude petroleum and natural gas prices were both down 2.8%, while unprocessed energy materials prices decreased 2.5% in August. “Construction materials prices rose modestly in August, although the increase would … Read more

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