Steel Markets
Dodge Momentum Index Slips in August
Written by David Schollaert
September 8, 2022
The Dodge Momentum Index ticked down 1.2% in August, losing ground on the downwardly revised reading for the month prior, according to data and analytics from the Dodge Construction Network. The index registered 171.9 last month, down from 174.0 in July.
The leading index for commercial real estate measures data about planned nonresidential building projects to track spending in the sector. For August, the subcomponents diverged, with the institutional component of the Momentum Index slipping 5.6% while the commercial component increased 1.0%.
August’s decline in the headline index, according to the report, was led by an increase in hotel projects, while fewer healthcare projects drove the institutional component lower.
Compared to August 2021, the overall Momentum Index was 14% higher last month. The institutional component was up 10%, while the commercial component was 16% higher on a year-over-year basis.
The report noted that a total of 26 projects with a value of $100 million or more entered planning in August. The leading commercial projects were the $400 million Two Tower office building in Chicago, Ill., the $300 million phase 2 of the Sungate Logistics Park in Daytona Beach, Fla., and the $275 million Aligned Data Center in Sterling, Va. The leading institutional projects were the $360 million Scripps Mercy Hospital expansion and the $275 million Triton Center redevelopment, both located in San Deigo, Calif. Additionally, $275 million in improvements for Okemos Public Schools in Meridian Charter Township, Mich., went into planning since a bond measure for this project will appear on the local ballot in November.
“In spite of weak institutional planning activity, the Momentum Index remained elevated in August, just a notch below July’s 14-year high,” said Sarah Martin, Dodge’s senior economist. “This indicates continued confidence from owners and developers that nonresidential building projects will be realized in the coming year.”
Weaker economic conditions and rising interest rates though could grind down overall consumer and business confidence as we move into 2023. The dynamic would translate into fewer nonresidential building projects breaking ground, added Martin.
An interactive history of the Dodge Momentum Index is available on our website. If you need assistance logging into or navigating the website, please contact us at info@SteelMarketUpdate.com.
By David Schollaert, David@SteelMarketUpdate.com
David Schollaert
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