flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator declines sharply in January 2019

Market Data

ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator declines sharply in January 2019

The Construction Backlog Indicator contracted to 8.1 months during January 2019.


By ABC | March 19, 2019

Associated Builders and Contractors recently reported that its Construction Backlog Indicator contracted to 8.1 months during January 2019, down 0.8 months or 9.3% compared to the fourth quarter 2018 reading of 8.9 months.

“This represents the latest in a number of indicators suggesting that U.S. economic momentum has begun to wane,” said Anirban Basu, ABC’s chief economist. “Other data tracking retail sales, employment growth and the trade deficit suggest that in contrast to 2018, this year will not be as strong from an economic growth perspective.

“January’s decline in nonresidential backlog was significant, slipping to levels last observed in 2014,” said Basu. “From an industry segment perspective, the decline in backlog was especially sharp in the infrastructure category, which may have been related to the federal shutdown in January.

“There was one meaningful exception in the Middle States, where backlog continues to rise,” said Basu. “This is potentially a result of stronger industrial production growth in 2017 and 2018, which has produced greater demand for modern industrial space. As with any January data release, weather may also have played a role in shaping the results. Accordingly, more clarity regarding contractual activity will arrive during the months ahead.”
 

 

 

 

Related Stories

Market Data | Jun 16, 2021

Construction input prices rise 4.6% in May; softwood lumber prices up 154% from a year ago

Construction input prices are 24.3% higher than a year ago, while nonresidential construction input prices increased 23.9% over that span.

Market Data | Jun 16, 2021

Producer prices for construction materials and services jump 24% over 12 months

The 24.3% increase in prices for materials used in construction from May 2020 to last month was nearly twice as great as in any previous year

Market Data | Jun 15, 2021

ABC’s Construction Backlog inches higher in May

Materials and labor shortages suppress contractor confidence.

Market Data | Jun 11, 2021

The countries with the most green buildings

As the country that set up the LEED initiative, the US is a natural leader in constructing green buildings.

Market Data | Jun 7, 2021

Construction employment slips by 20,000 in May

Seasonally adjusted construction employment in May totaled 7,423,000.

Market Data | Jun 2, 2021

Construction employment in April lags pre-covid February 2020 level in 107 metro areas

Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land and Odessa, Texas have worst 14-month construction job losses.

Market Data | Jun 1, 2021

Nonresidential construction spending decreases 0.5% in April

Spending was down on a monthly basis in nine of 16 nonresidential subcategories.

Market Data | Jun 1, 2021

Nonresidential construction outlays drop in April to two-year low

Public and private work declines amid supply-chain woes, soaring costs.

Market Data | May 24, 2021

Construction employment in April remains below pre-pandemic peak in 36 states and D.C.

Texas and Louisiana have worst job losses since February 2020, while Utah and Idaho are the top gainers.

Market Data | May 19, 2021

Design activity strongly increases

Demand signals construction is recovering.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021