Groundbreak Carolinas

GroundBreak Carolinas

Your source for construction industry news in the Carolinas

Economics

Reading the Signs: Why Economic Indicators Matter for Construction Executives

by Brian Gallagher, PPC Partners on

Construction leaders often pride themselves on instinct—the ability to “read the market” from conversations with clients, lenders, or subcontractors. But in today’s environment of volatility and complexity, instinct alone is not enough. To build resilient, forward-looking strategies, construction executives must treat economic indicators the way builders treat blueprints: as essential guides to navigating uncertainty. Why…

Construction Backlog Stable; Contractors Remain Optimistic, Fueled by Data Center Growth

by Associated Builders and Contractors on

Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog Indicator remained unchanged at 8.5 months in September, according to an ABC member survey conducted Sept. 22 to Oct. 6. The reading is down 0.1 months since September 2024. View the full Construction Backlog Indicator and Construction Confidence Index data series. Over the past year, backlog…

Eventually, it’s Going to All Work Out for America

by GroundBreak Carolinas Staff on

As 2025 unfolds, the construction industry is navigating a complex yet resilient economic landscape. At the recent ABC Carolinas Conference in Myrtle Beach, SC, ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu echoed this theme: “Eventually, it’s going to all work out for America.” His mid-year forecast, delivered via Construction Executive, reflects both urgency and optimism. Basu also…

Construction Materials Prices Tame in April Despite Rising Iron and Steel Costs

by Associated Builders and Contractors on

Construction input prices decreased 0.1% in April compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data released today. Nonresidential construction input prices increased 0.2% for the month. Overall construction input prices are 0.1% higher than a year ago, while nonresidential construction…

ABC: Nonresidential Construction Spending Dips 0.1% in November

by Associated Builders and Contractors on

National nonresidential construction spending decreased 0.1% in November, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published by the U.S. Census Bureau on Jan. 2. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $1.143 trillion.  Spending was down on a monthly basis in 11 of the 16 nonresidential subcategories. Private nonresidential spending…

The U.S. Economic Situation and Outlook for 2023

by Dr. Bruce Yandle, Alumni Distinguished Professor of Economics Emeritus, Clemson University on

As the U.S. economy enters 2022’s final quarter, the economic situation is bothtroublesome and puzzling. With interest rates rising, and GDP growth falling, it isdisturbing because the year’s weak GDP growth coupled with three negative forcesplaying through the economy, offer the strong possibility that 2023 will be an evenweaker negative growth year. Of course, we…

The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the U.S. Fell Further in July

by The Conference Board on

The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the U.S. decreased by 0.4 percent in July 2022 to 116.6 (2016=100), after declining by 0.7 percent in June. The LEI was down by 1.6 percent over the six-month period from January to July 2022, a reversal from its 1.6 percent growth over the previous six months. “The US LEI declined for a…

FMI Releases 2022 Engineering and Construction Industry Overview and First Quarter Outlook

by FMI on

FMI Corporation, the leading provider of consulting and investment banking services to the built environment, released the 2022 Engineering and Construction Industry Overview today. The report provides a comprehensive forecast for a broad range of construction and engineering segments in the U.S. and Canada for 2022. Entering 2022, FMI expects construction spending to increase by 5%. But…

ABC Economist on Economic Recovery for Nonresidential Construction

by ABC on

WASHINGTON, May 15, 2020 —Associated Builders and Contractors Chief Economist Anirban Basu warned the economic recovery following the COVID-19 outbreak would be quite different for the nonresidential construction industry compared to previous recessions, according to an economic outlook published in Construction Executive magazine. Normally, construction backlog, which stood at 8.2 months in February, according to ABC’s…

Sentinel Presents “An Evening with Dr. Harry Broadman: Gaining Advantage in the Global Economy”

by Michelle Taylor, Sentinel Risk Advisors on

Renowned economist Dr. Harry Broadman will offer groundbreaking insights to shape how North Carolina businesses can and should gain advantage in the global economy at upcoming speaking engagements in Charlotte and Raleigh. Sentinel will host Broadman on November 7 at the Mint Museum Uptown in Charlotte, and on November 8 at the Carolina Country Club…