The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI), issued by Dodge Construction Network, increased 6.2% in April to 264.2 (2000=100) from the downwardly revised March reading of 248.8. Over the month, commercial planning grew 8.1% and institutional planning momentum improved 1.5%.
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AGC: Materials, Energy Costs Surge
The producer price index for inputs to new nonresidential construction rose 1.7% in April and 6.6% from April 2025, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) of government data.
Read MoreConstruction Spending Rises in March
Construction spending during March 2026 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $2,185.5 billion, 0.6% (±0.5%) above the February estimate of $2,173.2 billion.
Read MoreACA Spring Forecast Calls For Declines
The American Cement Association’s (ACA) Market Intelligence team has released its Spring Forecast for the industry, revising its growth rate expectations for 2026, and projecting that cement consumption will decline by 2.5%.
Read MoreSullivan: March Data Weakens; Outlook Hinges on One Factor
Recent economic data reflected a modest economic weakening of conditions in the context of elevated inflation, according to Construction Materials Economist Ed Sullivan. Consumer spending increased – but at a rate less than expected. As a result, inventories rose – sending a signal that future production may come in light. GDP for the fourth quarter was revised down from 0.7%…
Read MoreSullivan Looks at Iran Conflict Impact
Construction materials economist Ed Sullivan has released “Alternative 2026 Outlooks: How the Iran Crisis Could Shift Inflation, Interest Rates and Construction Recovery,” his latest missive on factors that could impact the construction economy.
Read MoreDodge Momentum Index Higher in December
The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI), issued by Dodge Construction Network grew 7.0% in December to 296.8 (2000=100) from the upwardly revised November reading of 277.4.
Read MoreThe 2026 Construction, Cement and Concrete Outlook
By Ed Sullivan The U.S. cement market has been in a decline for three consecutive years. This translates into more than a 10 million metric ton decline since 2022. The volume loss has pushed clinker utilization rates below 80%, reduced reliance on imports, and prompted a moderation in cement and concrete pricing.
Read MoreAlternative Mid-Year Economic Forecast Scenarios
By Ed Sullivan All forecasts contain risk that can originate from the data used, the process of calculations, the assumptions, or a combination of each element. Indeed, an infinite number of alternative scenarios to the Baseline Scenario exists, and each materializes with even small changes in assumptions.
Read MoreConstruction Starts Down 9% in April
Total construction starts were down 9% in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.03 trillion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nonresidential building starts declined 3%, residential starts fell 4%, while nonbuilding starts decreased 22%.
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