The Dodge Momentum Index moved 3.4% higher in July to 124.7 (2000=1000) from the revised June reading of 120.5. The Momentum Index, issued by Dodge Data & Analytics, is a monthly measure of the first (or initial) report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. During the month, the commercial component increased 5.3% while the institutional component was unchanged.
This month’s increase in the Dodge Momentum Index was the first in all of 2020. Since December 2019, the Momentum Index has lost 18% with most of the decline coming in April when the COVID-19 pandemic led to numerous business shutdowns across the country. The pullback has largely come from institutional planning, rather than commercial plans. State and local government revenues have been squeezed as declines in economic activity have led to a drop in tax revenue just as costs related to the pandemic have skyrocketed. The institutional component is currently 28% below its December 2019 peak and 21% lower than its year ago level. Commercial planning is down 13% from its January 2020 peak, but is actually 1% higher than its year-ago level.
In July, 13 projects each with a value of $100 million or more entered planning. The leading commercial projects were the first two phases of the Centene Healthcare headquarters in Charlotte NC, with each phase valued at $500 million. The leading institutional projects were the $320 million Dignity Health Hospital in Elk Grove CA and the $155 million first phase of the West Henderson Hospital in Henderson NV.
Related Stories
Market Data | Mar 22, 2018
Architecture billings continue to hold positive in 2018
Billings particularly strong at firms in the West and Midwest regions.
Market Data | Mar 21, 2018
Construction employment increases in 248 metro areas as new metal tariffs threaten future sector job gains
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, Calif., and Merced, Calif., experience largest year-over-year gains; Baton Rouge, La., and Auburn-Opelika, Ala., have biggest annual declines in construction employment.
Market Data | Mar 19, 2018
ABC's Construction Backlog Indicator hits a new high: 2018 poised to be a very strong year for construction spending
CBI is up by 1.36 months, or 16.3%, on a year-over-year basis.
Market Data | Mar 15, 2018
ABC: Construction materials prices continue to expand briskly in February
Compared to February 2017, prices are up 5.2%.
Market Data | Mar 14, 2018
AGC: Tariff increases threaten to make many project unaffordable
Construction costs escalated in February, driven by price increases for a wide range of building materials, including steel and aluminum.
Market Data | Mar 12, 2018
Construction employers add 61,000 jobs in February and 254,000 over the year
Hourly earnings rise 3.3% as sector strives to draw in new workers.
Steel Buildings | Mar 9, 2018
New steel and aluminum tariffs will hurt construction firms by raising materials costs; potential trade war will dampen demand, says AGC of America
Independent studies suggest the construction industry could lose nearly 30,000 jobs as a result of administration's new tariffs as many firms will be forced to absorb increased costs.
Market Data | Mar 8, 2018
Prioritizing your marketing initiatives
It’s time to take a comprehensive look at your plans and figure out the best way to get from Point A to Point B.
Market Data | Mar 6, 2018
Persistent workforce shortages challenge commercial construction industry as U.S. building demands continue to grow
To increase jobsite efficiency and improve labor productivity, increasingly more builders are turning to alternative construction solutions.
Market Data | Mar 2, 2018
Nonresidential construction spending dips slightly in January
Private nonresidential construction fell 1.5% for the month, while public sector nonresidential spending increased 1.9%.
