NEW YORK, N.Y. – The Dodge Dodge Momentum Index rose 1.6 percent in February to 144.0 (2000=100) from its revised January reading of 141.7. 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. February’s increase was due to a 4.4 percent jump in institutional planning, while commercial planning slipped slightly, falling 0.3 percent for the month. The momentum index has now increased for five consecutive months; however, the underlying components continue to be volatile on … Read more