Steel Markets

Dodge Momentum Index: 2021 a Strong Year for Construction

Written by Brett Linton

January 13, 2022

The Dodge Momentum Index declined 3% in December to a reading of 166.4, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. Though the year ended on a down note, 2021 was a good one for construction with the index rising by 23%, its strongest annual gain in 15 years. 

construction

Both components of the construction index also declined from November to December, with commercial planning down 4% to 196.7 and institutional planning down 1% to 128.9. But on an annual basis, the commercial and institutional components reached multi-year highs of 13 and 14 years, respectively.

“The signals provided by the Dodge Momentum Index continue to suggest that construction activity will improve in 2022 — and, more importantly, that this growth will be more balanced than what was seen in 2021. However, the ever-present risks of the pandemic and tight labor force will work to counter these trends, leading to moderate growth over the new year,” the research firm said.

The Dodge Momentum Index is a key advance indicator of nonresidential construction demand, leading construction spending by as much as a year.

An interactive history of the Dodge Momentum Index is available here on our website; an example is shown below. If you need assistance logging into or navigating the website, please contact us at info@SteelMarketUpdate.com.

Dodge Momentum Index

Brett Linton

Brett Linton is a senior analyst for Steel Market Update, where he began his career. Linton has been in the steel industry since 2010. He has held roles as a category manager and strategic insights director at Reibus before returning to SMU in 2024. He is a graduate of The University of North Georgia with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Brett can be reached at brett@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-314-0179.

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