Demand Softens, Outlook for Architecture Billings Index Remains Positive

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Buoyed by sustained demand for apartments and condominiums, coupled with state and local governments moving ahead with delayed public projects, the Architecture Billings Index has been positive for seven consecutive months. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate 9-12-month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects reported the November ABI score was 50.9, down from a mark of 53.7 in October. This score reflects a slight increase in design activity (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was … Read more

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2015 Economic Outlook Forecasts 6% Growth in Equipment, Software Investment

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Investment in equipment and software is expected to grow 6 percent in 2015, driven by a steadily improving economy, according to the Annual 2015 Equipment Leasing & Finance U.S. Economic Outlook recently released by the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation. Overall in 2015, the outlook for 12 individual equipment and software verticals tracked in the report is mixed, with some sectors outperforming others. The Foundation's report, which is focused on the $903-billion equipment leasing and finance industry, forecasts 2015 equipment investment and capital spending in the United States and evaluates the effects of various industry and external … Read more

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McCarthy Completes Construction of National City Middle School Phase II

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SAN DIEGO, Calif. — McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. has completed construction of a new 19,880-square-foot classroom building, comprising phase two of National City Middle School, located on a two-acre site at 1701 D Avenue in National City, California. The $11,122,000 project was performed on behalf of the Sweetwater Union High School District, with Trent Carr serving as project manager for the district. LPA, Inc., served as the architect and interior designer. Construction began in June of 2013. The new two-story classroom building uses light gauge metal framing, structural steel and a SureBoard shear wall system. It encompasses 11 classrooms, an … Read more

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Equipment Leasing and Finance Association Releases Monthly Economic Index

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association's Monthly Leasing and Finance Index (MLFI-25), which reports economic activity from 25 companies representing a cross section of the $903-billion equipment finance sector, showed their overall new business volume for October was $8.3 billion, up 9 percent from new business volume in October 2013. Month over month, new business volume was down 12 percent from September. Year to date, cumulative new business volume increased 8 percent compared to 2013.   Receivables over 30 days increased from the previous month to 1.2 percent, and were up from 0.9 percent in the same … Read more

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Construction Employment Demand Remains Steady, Reports AGC

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Construction employment expanded in 228 metro areas, declined in 64 and was stagnant in 47 between October 2013 and October 2014, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the construction job gains come as new federal figures show year-over-year growth in construction spending and many firms report impacts from growing shortages of qualified workers. “Even as a number of markets continue to struggle with declining construction demand and employment, most metro areas are adding construction jobs as the industry slowly recovers,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist for … Read more

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