WASHINGTON, March 17, 2020 — Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog rose to 8.9 months in January 2020, a 5.9% increase from December’s reading. Backlog for firms with less than $30 million in revenues expanded by nearly 20% after declining sharply in December. “This represents yet another reminder that nonresidential construction and…
Economy
2020 CIRT Sentiment Index: First Quarter Report
FMI Corporation, the leading provider of consulting and investment banking services to the Built Environment, is pleased to announce the release of the first quarter 2020 CIRT Sentiment Index. The CIRT Sentiment Index is a survey, conducted quarterly by FMI, of members of the Construction Industry Round Table. The CIRT is composed exclusively of approximately…
ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator Falls to Close 2019
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18, 2020 — Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog Indicator fell to 8.4 months in December 2019, a 4.2% decline from November’s reading. This appeared to be due primarily to seasonal factors. “December’s nonresidential construction backlog fell to the reading’s lowest level since January 2019,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “This…
Nonresidential Construction Employment Rises in January, Says ABC
The construction industry added 44,000 net new jobs in January, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has expanded by 142,000 jobs, an increase of 1.9%. Nonresidential construction employment increased by 23,800 jobs on net in January…
Financial Markets 2020: A Brightworth Commentary
Where are financial markets headed in 2020? If you ask the major Wall Street firms, you will get the same answer you always get. Most are predicting mid to high single digit gains with a few outliers on both sides, which is pretty much the same story every year. As we recap 2019 and discuss…
ISM® Reports Economic Growth To Continue In 2020
Economic growth in the United States will continue in 2020, say the nation’s purchasing and supply management executives in the December 2019 Semiannual Economic Forecast. Expectations are for a continuation of the growth that began in mid-2009, as indicated in the monthly ISM® Report On Business®. The manufacturing sector is optimistic about growth in 2020, with revenues expected to increase in…
Clemson Construction Industry Symposium to Offer Economic Look Ahead for the Carolinas
Interested in an economic update tailored for companies involved in residential and commercial construction in the Carolinas? If so, you will want to register for the 4th Annual Construction Industry Symposium offered by Clemson University’s Nieri Family Department of Construction Science and Management (CSM) — set for October 10, 2019, in Greenville, S.C. In his session, titled…
Recession Unlikely in First Half of 2020, Says Mellon Investment Strategist
The Fed is likely to cut interest rates twice more in 2019, the 2020 presidential election will have little to no effect on a booming economy, and the answer to the question everyone wants to know about the likelihood of a recession in the coming months is a resounding no. The mostly rosy economic forecast laid out…
Construction Employment Surges to Start Year
Construction employment expanded by 52,000 net new jobs in January, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Industry employment is up by 338,000 net jobs on a yearly basis, which represents an increase of 4.7 percent. Nonresidential construction employment grew by 28,600 net…
Dr. Bruce Yandle to Share Insight into National and Regional Economic Situation with Carolinas Construction Audience
Dr. Bruce Yandle, Dean Emeritus, Clemson University College of Business & Behavioral Science, will speak about the impact of the economy on the construction industry as keynote speaker for Clemson’s 3rd Annual Construction Industry Symposium scheduled for Thursday, October 11, 2018, at the Greenville Marriott (S.C.). Dr. Yandle’s presentation, “The Economic Situation: The Nation, Region, and Construction…
