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 | Aug 7, 2018
New supply's impact illustrated in Yardi Matrix national self storage report for July
The metro with the most units under construction and planned as a percent of existing inventory in mid-July was Nashville, Tenn.
Market Data | Aug 3, 2018
U.S. multifamily rents reach new heights in July
Favorable economic conditions produce a sunny summer for the apartment sector.
Market Data | Aug 2, 2018
Nonresidential construction spending dips in June
“The hope is that June’s construction spending setback is merely a statistical aberration,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu.
Market Data | Aug 1, 2018
U.S. hotel construction pipeline continues moderate growth year-over-year
The hotel construction pipeline has been growing moderately and incrementally each quarter.
Market Data | Jul 30, 2018
Nonresidential fixed investment surges in second quarter
Nonresidential fixed investment represented an especially important element of second quarter strength in the advance estimate.
Market Data | Jul 11, 2018
Construction material prices increase steadily in June
June represents the latest month associated with rapidly rising construction input prices.
Market Data | Jun 26, 2018
Yardi Matrix examines potential regional multifamily supply overload
Outsize development activity in some major metros could increase vacancy rates and stagnate rent growth.
Market Data | Jun 22, 2018
Multifamily market remains healthy – Can it be sustained?
New report says strong economic fundamentals outweigh headwinds.
Market Data | Jun 21, 2018
Architecture firm billings strengthen in May
Architecture Billings Index enters eighth straight month of solid growth.
Market Data | Jun 20, 2018
7% year-over-year growth in the global construction pipeline
There are 5,952 projects/1,115,288 rooms under construction, up 8% by projects YOY.
