Steel Markets
Dodge Momentum Index Declines in December
Written by Sandy Williams
January 8, 2019
The Dodge Momentum Index, a monthly measure of the first report for nonresidential building projects in planning, fell 4.9 percent in December to an index reading of 151.9.
The decline was due to a 7.6 percent drop in the commercial component of the index, while the institutional component fell only 0.7 percent.
Nonresidential planning made headway in 2018 overall, gaining 4.3 percent, but nearly all during the first half of the year. During the second half of 2018, the Momentum Index fell 4.4 percent as commercial projects plummeted and institutional building projects in planning remained essentially flat.
“This suggests that spending for commercial buildings may be reaching its cyclical peak, while spending for institutional buildings continues to be supported by the stabilizing influence of public funding for projects such as schools and transportation terminals,” said Dodge Data & Analytics.
Seven projects valued at $100 million or more entered the planning phase during December.
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 in to or navigating the website, please contact us at info@SteelMarketUpdate.com.
Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Steel Markets
Fitch warns more tariffs will pressure global commodity markets
“New commodity-specific tariffs, mainly on steel and aluminum products, could widen price differentials and divert trade flows,” the credit agency forewarned.
Slowing data center, warehouse planning drives decline in Dodge index
The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) slid further in November as planning for data centers and warehouses continued to decline.
Latin America’s steel industry grapples with declining demand, rising imports
With climbing imports and falling consumption, the Latin American steel industry has had a challenging 2024, according to an Alacero report.
CRU: Trump tariffs could stimulate steel demand
Now that the dust has settled from the US election, as have the immediate reactions in the equity, bond, and commodity markets, this is a prime opportunity to look at how a second Trump presidency might affect the US steel market.
HVAC shipments slip in September but are still trending higher
Following a strong August, total heating and cooling equipment shipments eased in September to a five-month low, according to the latest data from the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).