Steel Markets

Dodge Momentum Index Gains for Second Month
Written by Sandy Williams
December 9, 2017
The Dodge Momentum Index climbed 13.9 percent to 149.5 in November. The Dodge Momentum Index, published by Dodge Data & Analytics, is a monthly measure of the first (or initial) report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which has been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year.
Construction planning was softer from June through September, but November’s strong gains followed a healthy October. Commercial construction planning grew 19.6 percent from October, while institutional construction planning gained 5.5 percent. The Momentum Index is up 21 percent on a year-over-year basis, with commercial up 24 percent and institutional up 17 percent.
“The turnaround in October and November suggests that building activity should continue to expand in 2018,” said Dodge.
During November, 21 projects valued at $100 million or more entered the planning stage.
Below is a graph showing the history of the Dodge Momentum Index. You will need to view the graph on our website to use its interactive features, you can do so by clicking here. If you need assistance logging into or navigating the website, please contact our office at 800-432-3475 or info@SteelMarketUpdate.com.

Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Steel Markets

CMC looks beyond Arizona micro-mill woes to long-term viability of construction mart
Despite the economic and geopolitical upheaval of the last five years, CMC President and CEO Peter Matt points out that the construction market has been an essential element of the way forward.

US importers face stricter rules under revamped S232 tariffs
“CBP expects full compliance from the trade community for accurate reporting and payment of the additional duties. CBP will take enforcement action on non-compliance," the agency said in a March 7 bulletin.

Steel exports rebound in January
US steel exports recovered to a five-month high in January after having fallen to a two-year low in December. This growth follows four consecutive months of declining exports.

Construction spending drops marginally in January
Construction spending edged down slightly in January, slipping for the first time in four months. The US Census Bureau estimated spending at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $2,196 billion in January, down 0.2% from December’s downward revised rate. The January figure is 3.3% higher than a year ago. January’s result, despite the slight erosion, […]

HVAC equipment shipments slow in December but strong annually
Shipments of heating and cooling equipment in the US fell to an 11-month low in December, according to the latest data released by the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).