economics
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
Nonresidential building projects moving at a steady pace
The Dodge Momentum Index, a monthly measure of the first report for nonresidential building projects in planning, held steady in July compared to the previous month, according to McGraw-Hill Construction. The index inched up 0.2 percent in July to 112.8.… Keep Reading
Report: Sand to remain in high demand as proppant
Demand for proppants, which are key to North America's expansion of oil and gas production, is expected to increase over the next four years and surpass $9 billion, according to a Cleveland market research firm. Raw sand will continue to… Keep Reading
Vulcan experiences second-quarter increases
Vulcan Materials Co.'s net sales and gross profit both increased in the second quarter of this year, the company said upon releasing its quarterly performance results to the public. Vulcan's net sales increased 7 percent versus the prior year, and… Keep Reading
House committee exploring federal gas tax increase
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee discussed increasing the federal gas tax during a hearing about the existing shortfall between incoming and outgoing road and transit funding, according to The Hill. The 18.4-cents-per-gallon federal gas tax, which generates about $35… Keep Reading
Obama weighs in on infrastructure issues
President Barack Obama touched on U.S. infrastructure during an economic speech July 24 at Knox College in Galesburg, Ill., pointing out that more than 100,000 bridges are theoretically old enough to qualify for Medicare. "Businesses depend on our transportation systems,… Keep Reading
Construction drops slightly in June
New construction starts in June receded 1 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $489.5 billion, according to McGraw-Hill Construction. As a result, construction start stats produced a Dodge Index reading of 104 – down one point from May.… Keep Reading
