Construction Materials Prices Down 0.1 Percent in April

Wednesday, May 15, 2013 9:13 AM

National construction materials prices slipped 0.1 percent in April, according to the May 15 producer price report by the U.S. Department of Labor. Year over year, construction materials prices are up just 0.4 percent. Nonresidential construction materials prices decreased 0.1 percent for the month and are down 0.4 percent over the last 12 months.

Construction Loses 6,000 Jobs in April

Friday, May 03, 2013 11:43 AM

The construction industry lost 6,000 jobs in April according to the May 3 employment report by the U.S. Department of Labor, but the unemployment rate decreased to 13.2 percent, down from 14.7 percent in March and 14.5 percent in April 2012.

Nonresidential Construction Spending Slips 2.9 Percent in March

Wednesday, May 01, 2013 11:56 AM

The nation’s nonresidential construction spending declined 2.9 percent in March, according to the May 1 construction spending report by the U.S. Census Bureau. On a year-over-year basis, total nonresidential construction spending is down 1.2 percent, indicating that recovery continues to elude this segment of the economy. Total nonresidential construction spending stands at $555.08 billion on an annualized basis.  

Nonresidential Fixed Investment in Structures Slips 0.3 Percent in First Quarter 2013

Friday, April 26, 2013 9:39 AM

Evidence that the nation’s economy is being fueled by consumer purchases, nonresidential fixed investment grew 2.1 percent in the first quarter of this year, with 3 percent growth in equipment and software investments partially offset by a 0.3 percent decrease in investment in structures, according to April 26 report by the Commerce Department on gross domestic product (GDP).

Commercial Construction Stagnant In The Final Quarter Of 2012

Tuesday, February 19, 2013 8:00 AM

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today reports that its Construction Backlog Indicator (CBI) remained unchanged at 8 months from the third quarter through the fourth quarter of 2012; however, it is up 2.4 percent compared to a year ago. CBI is measured in months and reflects the amount of construction work under contract, but not yet completed by nonresidential contractors.

Construction Backlog Up 3.5 Percent In Third Quarter Of 2012

Tuesday, November 13, 2012 9:32 AM

ABC reports that its Construction Backlog Indicator (CBI) expanded for the second consecutive quarter, up to 8 months in the third quarter of this year, a 3.5 percent increase from the previous quarter. CBI is measured in months and reflects the amount of construction work under contract, but not yet completed.

Construction Backlog Bounces Back In Second Quarter Of 2012

Tuesday, August 14, 2012 1:40 PM

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today reports its Construction Backlog Indicator (CBI) rose 4.3 percent in the second quarter of 2012 after declining the two previous quarters. Despite the quarterly expansion, CBI is 0.3 months, or 4.2 percent below the second quarter of 2011. CBI is a forward-looking economic indicator that measures the amount of construction work under contract to be completed in the future.

Construction Backlog Declines 5.4 Percent In The First Quarter Of 2012

Tuesday, May 15, 2012 2:05 PM

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today released its Construction Backlog Indicator (CBI) for the first quarter of 2012. CBI declined 5.4 percent from the previous quarter, dipping from 7.8 months to 7.4 months, but is slightly higher compared to the first quarter of 2011. CBI is a forward-looking economic indicator that measures the amount of construction work under contract to be completed in the future.

Construction Confidence Dips In Second Half Of 2012

Tuesday, January 22, 2013 9:07 AM

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today released its Construction Confidence Index (CCI) for the second half of 2012. The CCI reflects three aspects of the U.S. nonresidential construction industry: sales prospects, staffing levels and profit margins.

Construction Confidence Wanes as Nation Approaches Fiscal Cliff

Tuesday, August 21, 2012 10:42 AM

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today released its newest construction economic measure, the Construction Confidence Index (CCI). The CCI reflects three aspects of the U.S. nonresidential construction industry – sales prospects, staffing levels, and profit margins. During the second quarter of 2012, all three indices declined, undoing much of the first quarter’s progress and indicating that nonresidential construction momentum is waning. However, index values remain above 50, indicating ongoing expectations of construction spending growth.

• Sales expectations fell from 68.3 to 62.3
• Profit margins fell from 57.9 to 53.5
• Staffing levels fell from 64.3 to 59.8