flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator inches lower in July

Market Data

ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator inches lower in July

Backlog in the heavy industrial category increased by 2.3 months and now stands at its highest level in the history of the CBI series.


By ABC | September 17, 2019

Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog Indicator fell to 8.5 months in July 2019, down 0.3 months or 2.9% from June 2019, when CBI stood at 8.8 months.

“Construction backlog declined in all four major regions in July,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “While the Northeast and South—the regions with the lengthiest backlog—experienced minor dips, the West and the Middle States exhibited more significant declines. Despite the 9.3% monthly decline in the West region, backlog remains above levels observed in early 2019. For the Middle States, however, backlog is at its lowest level since the last quarter of 2015, largely due to a dip in activity in the commercial/institutional segment, the largest segment represented in ABC’s survey.

“Among the three industry subsegments measured by CBI, only the commercial/institutional category experienced a backlog decrease in July 2019,” said Basu. “Backlog in the heavy industrial category increased by 2.3 months and now stands at its highest level in the history of the CBI series. This is largely attributable to the energy sector, with particular strength apparent in the South. Regions tied to traditional manufacturing activities did not fare as well in July.

“Only companies with revenues lower than $30 million per year experienced shorter backlog in July,” said Basu. “This may be cause for concern since smaller firms tend to be more vulnerable to economic fluctuations. Much of the decline in backlog among this group occurred among those specializing in commercial construction. 

“Despite the recent, albeit brief, losing streak, backlog levels remain consistent with healthy construction activity over the near-term,” said Basu. “Contractors collectively expect rising sales to continue and are planning to add to staffing levels, though their exuberance has been somewhat tempered in recent months. If the U.S. economy continues to soften, including in the nation’s manufacturing industry, contractor confidence levels will likely continue to subside along with backlog. Yet, for now, the nation’s nonresidential construction segment remains busy.”

 

 

 

 

 

Related Stories

Market Data | Dec 19, 2018

Brokers look forward to a commercial real estate market that mirrors 2018’s solid results

Respondents to a recent Transwestern poll expect flat to modest growth for rents and investment in offices, MOBs, and industrial buildings.

Market Data | Dec 19, 2018

When it comes to economic clout, New York will far outpace other U.S. metros for decades to come

But San Jose, Calif., is expected to have the best annual growth rate through 2035, according to Oxford Economics’ latest Global Cities report.

Market Data | Dec 19, 2018

Run of positive billings continues at architecture firms

November marked the fourteenth consecutive month of increasing demand for architectural firm services.

Market Data | Dec 5, 2018

ABC predicts construction sector will remain strong in 2019

Job growth, high backlog and healthy infrastructure investment all spell good news for the industry.

Market Data | Dec 4, 2018

Nonresidential spending rises modestly in October

Thirteen out of 16 subsectors are associated with year-over-year increases.

Market Data | Nov 20, 2018

Construction employment rises from October 2017 to October 2018 in 44 states and D.C.

Texas has biggest annual job increase while New Jersey continues losses; Iowa, Florida and California have largest one-month gains as Mississippi and Louisiana trail.

Market Data | Nov 15, 2018

Architecture firm billings continue to slow, but remain positive in October

Southern region reports decline in billings for the first time since June 2012.

Market Data | Nov 14, 2018

A new Joint Center report finds aging Americans less prepared to afford housing

The study foresees a significant segment of seniors struggling to buy or rent on their own or with other people.

Market Data | Nov 12, 2018

Leading hotel markets in the U.S. construction pipeline

Projects already under construction and those scheduled to start construction in the next 12 months, combined, have a total of 3,782 projects/213,798 rooms and are at cyclical highs.

Market Data | Nov 6, 2018

Unflagging national office market enjoys economic tailwinds

Stable vacancy helped push asking rents 4% higher in third quarter.

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