SMU Data and Models
Dodge Momentum Index Slips 8.6% in March
April 13, 2023
The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) dropped 8.6% in March to 183.7 from the revised February reading of 201.0, according to data and analytics from the Dodge Construction Network (DCN).
Also last month, the commercial component of the DMI fell 6.6%, and the institutional component slumped 12.9% in the same comparison.
“We are predicting the Dodge Momentum Index to work its way back to historical norms throughout 2023, concurrent with weaker economic conditions,” Sarah Martin, associate director of forecasting for DCN, said in a statement.
She added that lending standards for small banks in particular have substantially tightened as banking insecurity intensifies. “As a result, owners and developers are more likely to pull back in the short term, which would further contract the DMI as we continue into the year.”
DCN said a total of 18 projects with a value of $100 million or more entered planning in March.
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.
Dodge is the leading index for commercial real estate, using the data of planned nonresidential building projects to track spending in the sector for the next 12 months.
By Ethan Bernard, ethan@steelmarketupdate.com
Latest in SMU Data and Models

Apparent steel supply increases in June
The amount of finished steel coming into the US market increased 3% from May to June, climbing to one of the highest rates seen in recent years, according to SMU’s analysis of Department of Commerce and American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) data

SMU Survey: Modest improvement in Sentiment Indices
Both SMU Sentiment Indices continue to show that buyers remain optimistic for their company’s chances of success, though far less confident than they felt earlier in the year.

SMU flat-rolled market survey results now available
SMU’s Aug. 8, 2025, steel buyers market survey results are now available on our website to all premium members.

SMU’s July at a glance
SMU’s Monthly Review provides a summary of our key steel market metrics for the previous month, with the latest data updated through July 31.

SMU Survey: Mills maintain short lead times on sheet
Mill production times for sheet products are holding just above multi-year lows, while plate lead times remain elevated.