Steel Markets
Dodge Momentum Index Jumps in June Amid General Slowdown
Written by Sandy Williams
July 8, 2019
The Dodge Momentum Index improved in June, rising 4.0 percent to 146.1 from a revised reading of 140.5 in May. The monthly index measures the first report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which has been shown to lead construction spending by a full year.
Initiation of planning for institutional building projects jumped 6.1 percent, while commercial planning rose 2.4 percent.
Dodge Data & Analytics suggests caution when reviewing the Index report.
“Despite the improvement shown by the Momentum Index in June, planning for commercial and institutional building projects has clearly stepped back from the torrid pace set during the first half of 2018. Indeed, the average of the overall Momentum Index through the first six months of 2019 was 4.3 percent lower than the same period a year ago, with the commercial component down 5.2 percent and the institutional component down 3.0 percent. What June’s improvement does affirm is that the broader pullback by the Momentum Index remains gradual, and that there are still ample projects at the planning stage to maintain stability for construction spending in the near term.”
Seventeen projects valued at $100 million or more entered the planning phase in June.
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.