economics
Aggregate production up 8 percent across U.S.
An estimated 592 million metric tons of total construction aggregates were produced and shipped for consumption in the U.S. in the second quarter this year, an increase of 8 percent compared with the second quarter of 2013, according to the U.S.… Keep Reading
Highway bill, MSHA inspections top of mind at Pit & Quarry event
The annual Pit & Quarry Roundtable & Conference was held Aug. 27-28 in Cleveland, where aggregate producers and manufacturers participated in discussions on the recently passed highway bill, MSHA, the economy's impact on their businesses and more. In addition to… Keep Reading
Report: Frac sand demand up significantly, and prices may follow
The Wall Street Journal reports that frackers are expected to use nearly 95 billion lbs. of sand this year, a figure that's up nearly 30 percent from 2013 and up 50 percent from forecasts energy-consulting firm PacWest Consulting Partners made… Keep Reading
Nonresidential building takes a step back in July
The Dodge Momentum Index fell 4.4 percent in July following two months of gains. According to McGraw Hill Construction, which produces the index as a monthly measure of the first report for nonresidential building projects in planning, the index is… Keep Reading
Construction gets a boost in June
New construction starts in June advanced 6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $549.7 billion. That's the highest level so far in 2014, according to McGraw Hill Construction, a division of McGraw Hill Financial. Nonresidential building strengthened after… Keep Reading
Mexico’s Cemex beats expectations with first quarterly profit since 2009
Mexico’s Cemex reported a second-quarter profit of $76 million, its first quarterly profit since the financial crisis in 2009. Cemex, one of the world’s largest cement companies, beat analysis expectations of a $79 million loss. A gain on derivatives tied… Keep Reading
Construction slides but no need to worry, economist says
New construction starts in May dropped 5 percent from the previous month according to McGraw Hill Construction, a division of McGraw Hill Financial. The reduced pace for total construction starts reflected a moderate loss of momentum for nonresidential building and… Keep Reading
Ever-increasing demand
In his personal blog, The Gates Notes, Microsoft founder Bill Gates cites some incredible statistics. Perhaps the most amazing is that China has used more cement (much more) in the last three years than the United States used in the… Keep Reading
Dodge Momentum Index remains strong in May
The Dodge Momentum Index, which measures the first report for nonresidential building projects being planning, gained 2 percent in May compared with April’s strong figures, says McGraw Hill Construction. The index is on an upswing following the downward trend shown… Keep Reading
