Economy
Dodge Momentum Index jumps to record high in January
Written by Brett Linton
February 12, 2025
The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) rose to a record high in January, according to the latest data released by Dodge Construction Network.
The January DMI rose to 225.7, a 6% increase from December’s revised reading of 213.6 and 26% higher than levels one year prior. This surpasses the previous high of 222.2 recorded in December 2022.
“Nonresidential planning activity saw diversified growth in January, with every vertical experiencing positive momentum,” said Dodge’s associate director of forecasting Sarah Martin. “Uncertainty over fiscal policies, ongoing labor shortages and elevated construction costs will continue to be headwinds to the construction sector.” However, she added that construction spending should be supported in the second half of the year by significant project backlogs and additional monetary easing.
The commercial building segment of the index rose 4% from December to January to a five-month high of 275.2, 37% greater than January 2024 levels. The institutional segment grew 9% to a 19-month high of 164.4, also up 9% compared to one year ago.
Dodge reported that a total of 33 projects valued at $100 million or more entered planning in January, up from 32 in December.
It is the leading index for commercial real estate, and uses the data of planned nonresidential building projects to track spending in this important steel-consuming sector for the next 12 months. An interactive history of the DMI is available on our website.
Brett Linton
Read more from Brett LintonLatest 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.