Economy

Dodge Momentum Index Moves Higher in October

November 8, 2019

The Dodge Momentum Index increased 6.9 percent in October to 152.6 from a revised September reading of 142.7. The Momentum Index, issued by Dodge Data & Analytics, is a monthly measure of the first report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which has been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year.

Institutional planning projects drove October’s increase, moving 22.8 percent higher in the month while commercial planning dipped 0.5 percent.

Despite the October increase, institutional projects entering planning remain 4.3 percent lower on a year-over-year basis compared to October 2018. Commercial project planning rose 14.3 percent from a year ago due to a recent surge of mega projects entering the early planning stage. The overall Momentum Index is 6.7 percent higher than a year ago, although its level remains below the July 2018 peak.

In October, 24 projects, each 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 in to or navigating the website, please contact us at info@SteelMarketUpdate.com.