economics
Index reflects promise for nonresidential building
The Dodge Momentum Index measuring the first report for nonresidential building projects in planning advanced 2.9 percent in September to 118.3, according to McGraw-Hill Construction. After a brief pause in June, the momentum index resumed its upward trend in the… Keep Reading
August construction rises 2 percent
New construction starts in August advanced 2 percent compared with July, according to McGraw-Hill Construction. According to the firm, nonbuilding construction rebounded after momentum was lost in July. At the same time, McGraw-Hill Construction says nonresidential building retreated from an… Keep Reading
FMI still sees 2014 construction growth, yet its forecast is tapered
FMI forecasted growth in both residential and commercial construction for 2014 upon releasing its third-quarter construction outlook, but the management consulting and investment banking organization reined in its expectations based on recent market developments. As part of its Q3-2013 Construction… Keep Reading
PCA economist says cement consumption growth is coming
An unusually wet spring and early summer dampened cement consumption for the first quarter of 2013, according to the Portland Cement Association (PCA), but its chief economist is still optimistic for strong growth in the construction sector in 2014 and… Keep Reading
Report: Asphalt demand to rise each year through 2017
Demand for asphalt in the United States is forecasted to increase 3.7 percent annually to 27.9 million tons in 2017, according to a Freedonia Group Inc. report. Demand is expected to advance from its low 2012 base, spurred by growth… Keep Reading
Crushed stone production up in second quarter
An estimated 321 million metric tons (Mt) of crushed stone were produced and shipped for consumption in the United States in the second quarter of 2013, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The 321 Mt represent a slight increase… Keep Reading
Nonresidential construction given a slight boost
FMI released its third-quarter Nonresidential Construction Index (NRCI) report, as panelists gave nonresidential construction a 0.2-point improvement over the second quarter for a score of 60.3. The score is the NRCI index's highest since the first quarter of 2009. According… Keep Reading
July construction recedes
New construction starts in July decreased 2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $479.1 billion, according to McGraw-Hill Construction. July statistics lowered the Dodge Index to 101, down from a revised 103 for June. The nonbuilding construction sector,… Keep Reading
Housing still leading upturn in construction starts
New construction starts are forecasted to rise 6 percent this year to $506 billion, according to McGraw-Hill Construction. This is the same increase rate for total construction starts that was predicted last October, and this follows the 8 percent gain… Keep Reading
