Nonresidential construction spending inched 0.3 percent lower in July largely due to a significant upward revision to June’s spending figure, according to analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data released today by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). Nonresidential spending totaled $701.4 billion on a seasonally adjusted annualized basis in July, the second highest month since November of 2008, right behind June, which was revised upward from $682 billion to $703.5 billion. Public nonresidential spending continued to falter, declining 3.2 percent for the month and 6.5 percent for the year.
Nonresidential construction spending has been suppressed over the last year or so with the primary factor being the lack of momentum in public spending. “This lack of public investment continues despite obvious deficiencies in water, road and other forms of infrastructure. The fact that all but two of the 12 public nonresidential public subsectors declined in July shows that the malaise is widespread,” says ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu in a press release.
The second biggest factor deals with tightening commercial real estate standards that may have been brought on by growing regulatory pressures. “There is growing concern that key commercial real estate segments are in the process of being overbuilt, particularly in America’s largest cities, which are most likely to attract significant levels of foreign investment,” Basu says.
All is not negative, however, as the housing sector has begun to improve at a meaningful rate and the country continues to add a substantial number of jobs. Additionally, interest rates remain low.
Related Stories
Market Data | Sep 25, 2019
Senate introduces The School Safety Clearinghouse Act
Legislation would create a federally funded and housed informational resource on safer school designs.
Market Data | Sep 18, 2019
Substantial decline in Architecture Billings
August report suggests greatest weakness in design activity in several years.
Market Data | Sep 17, 2019
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.
Market Data | Sep 13, 2019
Spending on megaprojects, already on the rise, could spike hard in the coming years
A new FMI report anticipates that megaprojects will account for one-fifth of annual construction spending within the next decade.
Architects | Sep 11, 2019
Buoyed by construction activity, architect compensation continues to see healthy gains
The latest AIA report breaks down its survey data by 44 positions and 28 metros.
Market Data | Sep 11, 2019
New 2030 Commitment report findings emphasize need for climate action
Profession must double down on efforts to meet 2030 targets.
Market Data | Sep 10, 2019
Apartment buildings and their residents contribute $3.4 trillion to the national economy
New data show how different aspects of the apartment industry positively impact national, state and local economies.
Market Data | Sep 3, 2019
Nonresidential construction spending slips in July 2019, but still surpasses $776 billion
Construction spending declined 0.3% in July, totaling $776 billion on a seasonally adjusted annualized basis.
Industry Research | Aug 29, 2019
Construction firms expect labor shortages to worsen over the next year
A new AGC-Autodesk survey finds more companies turning to technology to support their jobsites.
Market Data | Aug 21, 2019
Architecture Billings Index continues its streak of soft readings
Decline in new design contracts suggests volatility in design activity to persist.