Economy
ABI Rebounds in September
Written by Sandy Williams
October 22, 2015
The September Architecture Billings Index rebounded from August’s dip into negative territory. September’s ABI score was 53.7 up from 49.1 the previous month, continuing the see-saw pattern the index has shown throughout 2015.
“Aside from uneven demand for design services in the Northeast, all regions are project sectors are in good shape,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “Areas of concern are shifting to supply issues for the industry, including volatility in building materials costs, a lack of a deep enough talent pool to keep up with demand, as well as a lack of contractors to execute design work.”
The design contracts index was at 53.2 in September.
Regionally, the South, Midwest and West all posted above the 50 neutral point in September. The Northeast, however, continued to show weak business conditions. The regional averages were: South (54.5), Midwest (54.2), West (51.7), Northeast (43.7).
The breakdown by sector was: mixed practice (52.6), institutional (51.5), commercial / industrial (50.9) multi-family residential (49.5).
The ABI, a diffusion index published monthly by the American Institute of Architects, reflects the nine to twelve month lead time between architecture billings and nonresidential construction spending. A score above 50 indicates an increase in billings. The regional and sector categories are calculated as a 3-month moving average, whereas the national index, design contracts and inquiries are monthly numbers.
Below is a graph showing the history of The Architecture Billings Index. You will need to view the graph on our website to use it’s interactive features, you can do so by clicking here. If you need assistance with either logging in or navigating the website, please contact our office at 800-432-3475 or info@SteelMarketUpdate.com.
Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Economy
ISM: Manufacturing still contracting, but at slower pace
“U.S. manufacturing activity contracted again in December, but at a slower rate compared to November,” according to Timothy Fiore, chair of the ISM Manufacturing Business Survey Committee.
Construction spending steady in November
Construction spending inched higher in November for a second straight month.
Chicago Business Barometer falls for a third month
The December reading of 36.9 declined 3.3 points from the previous month to the lowest reading since May 2024.
ISM: US manufacturing poised for growth in 2025
“Manufacturers are optimistic,” said Timothy R. Fiore, chair of ISM’s Manufacturing Business Survey Committee.
New York state manufacturing activity stable in December
Following a substantial recovery in November, business activity in New York state’s manufacturing sector held steady in December, according to the latest Empire State Manufacturing Survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.