Tag: Construction

Housing starts slowed in the US in August as affordability challenges and cautious builder sentiment weighed on new construction activity.

The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) rose 7.5% in August after jumping nearly 21% the month prior. The index is now up 30% year-to-date, according to the latest data released by Dodge Construction Network. 

Here are highlights of what’s happened this past week and a few upcoming things to keep an eye on. 

he US longs market remained stable this month despite ongoing challenges from tariff-impacted imports, even as end-use demand was relatively unchanged and scrap prices held flat in August.

Sluggish economic activity across the US was largely attributed to uncertainty caused by tariff policies and growing cost pressures, according to the US Federal Reserve’s (The Fed) latest Beige Book report.   The Fed’s latest economic report, posted on Sept. 3, consists of economic findings from the six weeks preceding Aug. 25 throughout 12 districts. Economic […]

Construction spending edged down slightly in July for a third straight month.

Steel industry analysts at this year's SMU Steel Summit said they see lackluster demand through this year and next.

Steel executives packed the main conference hall of the 2025 SMU Steel Summit on Tuesday, Aug. 26, to hear economist Dr. Anirban Basu lay out his blunt view of tariffs, inflation, and demand.

The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) jumped 20.8% in July and is now up 27% year-to-date, according to the latest data released by Dodge Construction Network.

While US construction markets are far from uniform, recent indicators from June and July paint an unusually fragmented picture.

The Architecture Billings Index (ABI), a leading indicator for non-residential construction activity, declined for an eighth straight month in June.

Industries that use steel in manufacturing employ many more workers than steel production. Raising the cost of steel for these customers will not increase manufacturing employment. In fact, it will probably hit employment hard.

All districts reported “experiencing modest to pronounced input cost pressures related to tariffs, especially for raw materials used in manufacturing and construction.”

The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) increased again in June, setting a record reading. The surprise result follows three months of little to no growth, according to the latest data released by Dodge Construction Network. Both institutional and commercial projects accelerated in June, further improving the nonresidential construction market. The May DMI rose to 225.1, a […]

Maybe some of this uncertainty will get ironed out ahead of Liberation Day tariffs resetting higher rates on July 9. But if I had to place a wager, it would be on more drama and last-minute brinksmanship - whether it comes to the Liberation Day tariffs or the various Section 232s that are in the works.

“Contractors say that they're still busy, but their order books have gotten a lot softer or a lot more uncertain,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist for The Associated General Contractors of America.

CMC entered the back half of its fiscal year with improving steel margins, steady rebar demand, and confidence in long-term construction fundamentals

We’ll have a lot to talk about because construction is at the intersection of so many of today’s hot-button issues. The main question: Will construction thrive or dive in the rest of ’25? (Nothing wrong with a rhyme, even in serious times.)

US housing starts tumbled in May to a five-year low, according to figures recently released by the US Census Bureau.

The project is facing technical challenges related to upgrading the electric grid.

Architecture firms reported a modest improvement in billings through May, yet business conditions remained soft, according to the latest Architecture Billings Index (ABI) release from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Deltek.

The projects are expected to be complete by the end of first quarter 2027. Three scheduled outages will be taken to accommodate the work, Danieli said.

Following three months of little to no growth, the Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) increased in May, according to the latest data released by Dodge Construction Network

We’ll have a lot to talk about because construction is at the intersection of so many of today’s hot-button issues. The main question: Will construction thrive or dive in the rest of ’25? (Nothing wrong with a rhyme, even in serious times.)

Rio Tinto is embarking on a major upgrade of the nearly century-old hydroelectric station in Quebec to secure low-carbon power for its aluminum smelters in the region.

For the third month in a row, architecture firms reported a reduction in billings through April, according to the latest Architecture Billings Index release.

The index has fluctuated since reaching a record high in January to kickstart the year.

The project will expand heat treat capacity at its Axis, Alabama plant

Architecture firms said billings continued to decline in March, according to the latest Architecture Billings Index (ABI) released by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Deltek.

A factor in the sales was customers buying ahead of tariff-related price increases.