economics
Non-residential building segment showing continued progress
The Dodge Momentum Index measuring the first report for nonresidential building projects in planning rose 5.9 percent in March, according to McGraw-Hill Construction. The increase lifted the index to 109.4, marking the fourth gain in a row following the modest… Keep Reading
Construction put-in-place exceeding 2012 levels
The forecast for total construction-put-in-place for 2013 continues to show an increase of 8 percent over 2012 levels with an expected expenditure topping $900 billion, according to FMI's first quarter construction outlook. Residential building is showing the most promise, with… Keep Reading
Report: Aggregates production up slightly in 2012
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has released its final 2012 statistics related to aggregates production, noting that the estimated annual output of crushed stone produced for consumption in 2012 was 1.16 billion metric tons (Gt) – a slight increase compared… Keep Reading
Vulcan economist offers forecast at GCAA event
Baron Worthington, manager of economic analysis at Vulcan Materials Co., shared his outlook on the various construction sectors Feb. 27 during a short session at the Georgia Construction Aggregate Association's 2013 Management Workshop in Atlanta. According to Worthington, housing starts… Keep Reading
Report: January construction starts retreat by double digits
The value of new construction starts dropped 12 percent in January to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $469.1 billion, according to McGraw-Hill Construction. The decline follows a sharp 23 percent increase for total construction in December, bringing the level… Keep Reading
FMI’s latest index another good sign for nonresidential construction
FMI's nonresidential construction index climbed 2.6 points in the first quarter this year to reach the 58.1 mark. The 4.5 percent increase is the result of bright spots in the economy, including a positive outlook on hiring. According to FMI,… Keep Reading
Dodge Momentum Index at highest mark in two-plus years
The Dodge Momentum Index rose for the second straight month in January, climbing 2.7 percent to 97.6 and providing some optimism for the nonresidential building segment. The index is a monthly measure of the first report for nonresidential building projects… Keep Reading
US aggregates production rose estimated 7.6 percent in 2012
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has released its 2013 Mineral Commodity Summaries, which include estimated numbers for 2012 aggregates production. Based on the estimates, U.S. aggregates production of 2.08 billion tons in 2012 was an increase of about 7.6 percent… Keep Reading
Infrastructure investment necessary to avoid economic harm
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has released a report that states that unless the United States invests an additional $1.57 billion per year in infrastructure between now and 2020, the nation will lose $3.1 trillion in gross national… Keep Reading
