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 | Jan 6, 2022

A new survey offers a snapshot of New York’s construction market

Anchin’s poll of 20 AEC clients finds a “growing optimism,” but also multiple pressure points.

Market Data | Jan 3, 2022

Construction spending in November increases from October and year ago

Construction spending in November totaled $1.63 trillion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate.

Market Data | Dec 22, 2021

Two out of three metro areas add construction jobs from November 2020 to November 2021

Construction employment increased in 237 or 66% of 358 metro areas over the last 12 months.

Market Data | Dec 17, 2021

Construction jobs exceed pre-pandemic level in 18 states and D.C.

Firms struggle to find qualified workers to keep up with demand.

Market Data | Dec 15, 2021

Widespread steep increases in materials costs in November outrun prices for construction projects

Construction officials say efforts to address supply chain challenges have been insufficient.

Market Data | Dec 15, 2021

Demand for design services continues to grow

Changing conditions could be on the horizon.

Market Data | Dec 5, 2021

Construction adds 31,000 jobs in November

Gains were in all segments, but the industry will need even more workers as demand accelerates.

Market Data | Dec 5, 2021

Construction spending rebounds in October

Growth in most public and private nonresidential types is offsetting the decline in residential work.

Market Data | Dec 5, 2021

Nonresidential construction spending increases nearly 1% in October

Spending was up on a monthly basis in 13 of the 16 nonresidential subcategories.

Market Data | Nov 30, 2021

Two-thirds of metro areas add construction jobs from October 2020 to October 2021

The pandemic and supply chain woes may limit gains.

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