Steel Markets

Dodge Momentum Index on 5-Month Streak
Written by Sandy Williams
September 12, 2016
The Dodge Momentum Index rose 1.3 percent in August to 134.9. Institutional construction planning gained 1.7 percent last month and commercial planning 1.0 percent. The index has made gains for five consecutive months.
The Momentum Index is up 16 percent from August 2015 due to a 22 percent growth in institutional planning and 22 percent by commercial planning.
“That both sectors are showing such improvement suggests that developers are shrugging off sluggish economic data and the uncertainty surrounding the November elections, and moving ahead with plans for new projects,” said Dodge Data & Analytics.
Fourteen projects exceeding 100 million entered the planning phase in August.
The Dodge Momentum Index, published by Dodge Data & Analytics, is a monthly measure of the first (or initial) report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year.
Below is a graph showing the history of the Dodge Momentum Index. You will need to view the graph on our website to use its interactive features, you can do so by clicking here. If you need assistance logging into 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

AISI: Raw steel production bounces back
Domestic mill production rebounded last week, according to the latest production figures released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Production had been historically strong over the summer months before softening in early October.

US sets Section 232 tariffs on trucks and buses
Medium- and heavy-duty trucks (MHDV) and buses imported to the US will start being charged Section 232 tariffs beginning Nov. 1.

Hot-rolled sources say demand continues to dwindle, prices feel arbitrary
Genuine demand, they stated, will return when the market feels stable again.

FabArc Steel Supply completes projects in Mississippi, Georgia
FabArc Steel Supply announced this week the completion of two large-scale projects in Georgia and Mississippi.

Thin demand keeps plate prices hovering at lowest levels since February
Participants in the domestic plate market say spot prices appear to have hit the floor, and they continue to linger there. They say demand for steel remains thin, with plate products no exception.