Steel Markets
Dodge Momentum Index Declines in February
Written by Sandy Williams
March 7, 2019
The Dodge Momentum Index, a measure of the initial report for nonresidential construction projects in planning, fell 4.4 percent to 146.9 in February after rebounding in January.
“Since November, the Momentum Index has re-established a sawtooth pattern that’s often been present in recent years,” said Dodge Data & Analytics. “It’s also become clear that the average level of activity has downshifted slightly since the summer of 2018. From April through August last year, the average level of the Momentum Index was 158.6, while from September through the latest month the average is 150.3 – a decline of 5.2 percent. This shift continues to suggest that the growth in construction activity will moderate over the coming year.”
The report shows that planning in both the institutional sector and commercial sector slowed last month, falling 5.9 percent and 3.4 percent, respectively.
Nine projects with a value of $100 million or more entered the planning phase in February.
The Dodge Momentum Index is published by Dodge Data & Analytics and is a monthly measure of the first (or initial) report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year.
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
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).
Apparent steel supply rebounds in December, but 2024 total at 4-year low
Apparent US steel supply rebounded in December, but 2024 was still the lowest level for supply since 2020.