Steel Markets

Dodge Index Back to Rising Trend
Written by Sandy Williams
August 12, 2015
Building planning increased in July according to the Dodge Momentum Index published by Dodge Data & Analytics. The Index, which is a monthly measure of the initial report for nonresidential building projects in planning, rose 5.4 percent to a reading of 125.3 from 118.9 in June.
After see-sawing in the first half of the year, the Index has returned to the rising trend it showed during the past four years. According to Dodge Analytics, “Improving real estate market fundamentals in the commercial sector and increased bond-related funding for institutional projects should continue to exert a positive influence over the Index through the remainder of 2015.”
Institutional planning rose 6 percent due to six new projects that exceeded $100 million. Commercial planning was up 4.9 percent with seven $100 million+ projects initiated.
Richard Branch, Senior Economist for Dodge Data and Analytics will be one of the speakers at this year’s Steel Summit Conference on September 1st and 2nd.
Below is a graph showing the history of the Dodge Momentum Index. You will need to view the graph on our website to use it’s interactive features, you can do so by clicking here. If you need assistance with either logging in or navigating the website, please contact our office at 800-432-3475 or info@SteelMarketUpdate.com

Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Steel Markets

CRU: China’s indirect steel exports find new destination markets
The boom in China’s direct steel exports has not stopped this year, even with a rise in protectionist measures globally. The increase is driven by...

Great Lakes iron ore cargoes down in September as Cleveland tonnage slips
Iron ore shipments from US Great Lakes ports fell sharply in September, per the latest from the Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA) of Westlake, Ohio.

HVAC equipment shipments down through August
Although total HVAC shipments fell in August, YTD volumes remain relatively strong. Nearly 15 million units were produced in the first eight months of the year, the fourth-highest rate in our 19-year data history.

Sheet market sources slam tariffs for prolonged demand slump
Tariffs are ultimately to blame for stagnant demand in the hot-rolled coil market, domestic market sources tell SMU.

Week in Review: Sept. 29 -Oct. 3
Let’s take a quick tour of some key stories from SMU in the week of Sept. 29 - Oct. 3.