Steel Markets

Dodge Momentum Index Bounces Back in January
Written by Sandy Williams
February 6, 2019
The Dodge Momentum Index rose 4.7 percent in January to 157.7 from a revised reading of 150.6 in December. The bounce back reversed December’s decline and put it in line with the average index reading for the second half of 2018.
Institutional projects gained traction in January driven by public funding for schools and transportation terminals. The commercial component of the index expanded, as well, but was still below the highs set in mid-2018. Index components for institutional and commercial projects rose 5.0 percent and 4.6 percent, respectively.
Nine projects with a value of $100 million or more entered the planning stage in January.
The Dodge Momentum Index is published by Dodge Data & Analytics and is a monthly measure of the first (or initial) report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which has 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 in to or navigating the website, please contact us at info@SteelMarketUpdate.com.

Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Steel Markets

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.

Hot-rolled coil sources lament stagnant conditions
Participants in the hot-rolled sheet market expressed frustration with the continuing lack of demand this week.

Plate market sources critique mill hikes amid current market conditions
Following spot market plate price increase notices issued by domestic mills this past week, participants are contemplating the rationale behind the increases and whether they will stick. Some sources anticipate that current market conditions will shift in November and believe the increases may set a new "pricing floor."

ITC’s final ruling: Dumped, subsidized CORE imports are harming domestic market
The US International Trade Commission (ITC) finds that corrosion resistant steel (CORE) imports from 10 countries have caused material damage to domestic product producers, according to the ITC’s statement.

HR buyers report mixed market conditions
Hot-rolled coil market participants said they’re staying on their toes amid a market that continues to be characterized by uncertainty. A veteran Midwest-based service center operator contends that current conditions are unprecedentedly volatile. Being flexible with customers and strategic with mills is the only way to navigate through the uncertainty, he said. “No one wants […]