NEW YORK, N.Y. – The Dodge Momentum Index increased 0.5 percent in February to 146.9 (2000=100) from the revised January reading of 146.2. The momentum index 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 move higher in February was the result of an 8.2 percent increase in the institutional component, while the commercial component contracted 4.8 percent. The commercial component has declined for two consecutive months and, while this should not lead to an outright decline … Read more

NEW YORK, N. Y. – The Dodge Momentum Index rose in October, climbing 13.2 percent to 130.9 (2000=100) from the revised September reading of 115.6. The momentum index 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 move higher in October nearly reversed the erosion of the past four months (including September’s 7.9 percent decline), with October posting healthy gains in both sectors. From September to October the commercial portion of the momentum index advanced 16.8 percent, … Read more