Economy
AIA Billings Index Continues Contraction in May
Written by Sandy Williams
June 26, 2020
The Architecture Billings Index remained in contraction in May with a score of 32.0 following a record drop in billings in April, said the American Institute of Architects. Although the monthly scores moderated slightly, billings continued to decrease, inquiries continued to decline and the value of newly signed contracts remained at near record-lows. The projects inquiry index registered 38.0 and design contracts index 33.1.
“A large portion of the design and construction industry remains mired in steep cutbacks as many businesses and organizations are still trying to figure out what actions make sense in this uncertain economic environment, “said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker. “There are growing signs of activity beginning to pick up in some areas, but others are seeing a pause as pandemic concerns continue to grow.”
A decline in billings occurred across all sectors: institutional (35.7); multi-family residential (34.8); mixed practice (28.5); commercial/industrial (24.8).
AIA noted that business conditions were very soft across all regions with the Northeast reporting the steepest decline in billings. Construction projects that were halted during the pandemic are now able to resume and “less dismal” conditions may be seen in June, said the AIA.
The regional averages were well below the neutral point of 50: West (36.0); South (30.6); Midwest (29.7); and Northeast (25.1).
Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Economy
ISM September survey captures deepening manufacturing gloom
The Institute for Supply Management’s (ISM) latest monthly report on manufacturing reflects a bleak view of American industry in September.
Key industries concerned over government shutdown’s impact on steel, manufacturing
Trade groups cautioned that a prolonged shutdown could strain US industry.
Chicago Business Barometer catches cold winds of contraction in September
The Chicago Business Barometer's September reading indicates a softening in overall business activity in the Midwest for the third consecutive month, with new orders and backlogs retreating further.
Metalforming market sentiment takes a dive in September: PMA
Metalforming manufacturers anticipate a decrease in near-term conditions, according to the Precision Metalforming Association's (PMA) Business Conditions Report for September.
AIA: Architecture firms still under pressure
Architecture firms reported a modest improvement in billings through August, yet business conditions remained soft, according to the latest Architecture Billings Index (ABI) release from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Deltek.