The Dodge Momentum Index moved a scant 0.1% lower in May to 129.2 (2000=100) from the revised April reading of 129.4. The momentum index, issued by Dodge Data & Analytics, is a monthly measure of the first (or initial) report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. The commercial component of the momentum index rose 1.0% during the month, while the institutional component dropped 1.9%. The resilience of the momentum index over the last two months has been remarkable in the face of the COVID-19 crisis … Read more
Construction Starts Show Sharp Contraction in April
Total construction starts declined 25% from March to April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $572.2 billion as COVID-19 and economic recession hit the construction sector. In April, nonresidential building starts fell 37% from March, while residential dropped 25%. The decline in nonbuilding construction starts was more tepid, falling just 5% due to strong activity in streets and bridges. On a year-to-date basis through four months of 2020, total construction starts were 8% lower than the same period in 2019. Nonresidential building starts were off 14%, while nonbuilding starts were down 15%. Residential starts, meanwhile, were up 2% on … Read more
Dodge Momentum Index Trips on COVID-19 in April
The Dodge Momentum Index moved 6 % lower in April to 135.9 (2000=100) from the revised March reading of 144.5. The momentum index, issued by Dodge Data & Analytics, is a monthly measure of the first (or initial) report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. Both components of the momentum index pulled back during the month – the commercial component fell 7.6%, while the institutional component dropped 3.2%. COVID-19 had a significant negative impact on the economy in April, touching virtually all sectors — including … Read more
New Dodge Study Shows Contractors Concerned about Longer-Term Impacts of COVID-19 Crisis
In order to better understand the degree of impact and biggest concerns that the construction industry has about the COVID-19 crisis, Dodge Data & Analytics conducted a survey of 172 contractors across the U.S. from March 19 to March 31. The results of that study, published in the Keeping Business Going in a Time of Crisis: Findings from the Dodge Contractor Panel Study on Contractors’ State of Business During the COVID-19 Outbreak white paper, reveals that most contractors are feeling at least some impact from the crisis, with the worst impact expected to be felt within the next three months. … Read more
Findings Show Major Growth Expected for Prefabrication, Permanent Modular Construction
Dodge Data & Analytics released the findings of a landmark study that provides a comprehensive examination of the current state and future expectations for prefabrication and modular construction. The Prefabrication and Modular Construction 2020 SmartMarket Report was published with the support of Bradley Corp., the Modular Building Institute, Pinnacle Infotech, MCAA and Skender and takes a close look at critical drivers, obstacles and benefits of using these methods, based on insight from architects, engineers and contractors already leveraging them. The report shows that architects, engineers and contractors that have used these methods plan to significantly increase their engagement with them, … Read more