ABC Contractor Backlog, Confidence Slip in October

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

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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

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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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ABC Names 2025-26 Tech Alliance Members

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Associated Builders and Contractors unveiled the members of its fifth annual Tech Alliance — a cohort of leading technology companies built to create construction tech solutions for the association’s contractor members, which primarily perform work in the commercial and industrial sectors. “ABC’s Tech Alliance helps drive innovation throughout the association by helping our members develop their workforce, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably,” said Matt Abeles, ABC’s vice president of construction technology and innovation. “This fifth cohort plays a crucial role in delivering education to ABC members across the country through events hosted by our 67 … Read more

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ABC: Construction Employment Falls for Third Straight Month in August

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The construction industry lost 7,000 jobs in August, 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 58,000 jobs, an increase of 0.7%. Nonresidential construction employment decreased by 1,200 positions on net, with losses in 2 of the 3 subcategories. Nonresidential building lost 3,300 jobs, while nonresidential specialty trade lost 200 positions. Heavy and civil engineering added 2,300 jobs for the month. The construction unemployment rate dropped to 3.2% in August. Unemployment across all industries increased from 4.2% in July to 4.3% … Read more

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