Construction Activity Increasing

August 10, 2015

After an inconsistent first six months, the Dodge Momentum Index jumped 5.4 percent in July.

The Momentum Index 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.” The July numbers, Dodge said, returned “the Index to its generally rising trend over the past four years.”

Sponsors of the Index are optimistic about the remainder of 2015, saying, “Improving real estate market fundamentals in the commercial sector and increased bond-related funding for institutional projects should continue to exert a positive influence.”

Meanwhile, July’s construction industry employment numbers showed little change during the month, and the nation’s unemployment rate held steady at 5.3 percent.