Dodge Momentum Index Declines 7% in March

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The Dodge Momentum Index, issued by Dodge Construction Network, receded 6.9% in March to 205.6 (2000=100) from the revised February reading of 220.9. Over the month, commercial planning declined 7.8% while institutional planning fell 5%. “Increased uncertainty around material prices and fiscal policies may have begun to factor into planning decisions throughout March,” stated Sarah Martin, associate director of forecasting at Dodge Construction Network. “While planning data has weakened across most nonresidential sectors this month, activity remains considerably higher than year-ago levels and still suggests steady construction activity in mid-2026.” On the commercial side, weaker planning activity for warehouses, data … Read more

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Dodge Momentum Index Grows 6% in January

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The Dodge Momentum Index, issued by Dodge Construction Network, grew 5.6% in January to 225.7 (2000=100) from the revised December reading of 213.6. Over the month, commercial planning increased 4.2% while institutional planning improved 8.7%. On the commercial side, data center, traditional office building and warehouse planning led this month’s gains. Education and healthcare planning supported the institutional portion, especially on the hospital side. In January, the DMI was up 26% when compared to year-ago levels. The commercial segment was up 37% from January 2024, while the institutional segment was up 9% over the same period. A total of 33 … Read more

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Construction Starts Increase 5% in November

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Total construction starts increased 5% in November to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.2 trillion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nonresidential building starts grew 2%, nonbuilding starts moved 16% higher, while residential building starts fell 1%. On a year-to-date basis through November, total construction starts were up 5% from the first 11 months of 2023. Nonresidential starts were up 4%, residential starts were up 7% and nonbuilding starts were up by 5%. For the 12 months ending November 2024, total construction starts were up 4% from the 12 months ending November 2023. Residential starts were up 7%, nonresidential starts … Read more

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New Study Examines Construction Worker Safety, Mental Health

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Research findings indicate construction contractors continue to make progress responding to issues affecting worker safety and health, such as heat and mental health, but many areas for improvement remain. The new study, Safety Management in the Construction Industry 2023 SmartMarket Report, examines occupational safety and health challenges across the industry and shines a light where more effort is needed. It was conducted by Dodge Construction Network and CPWR. Key findings include: Working in extreme heat is increasingly common in construction, posing significant safety and health risks to workers. To combat this problem: 52% of contractors in the study report making … Read more

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Dodge Momentum Index Increases 6% in April

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The Dodge Momentum Index, issued by Dodge Construction Network, increased 6.1% in April to 173.9 (2000=100) from the revised March reading of 164.0. Over the month, commercial planning improved 12.6% and institutional planning dropped 6.3%. A flood of data center projects entered planning in April, causing robust growth in the commercial segment of the DMI, while traditional office and hotel projects continued to face slower momentum. Warehouse planning was basically flat. On the institutional side, education and healthcare planning activity receded again – in part, driven by another month of weak life science and R&D laboratory activity. Year over year, the DMI was 1% lower than in April 2023. The commercial segment was … Read more

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