The Dodge Construction Momentum Index increased in November, climbing to 125.0 for the month, up 0.6% from October’s reading of 124.3 according to Dodge Data & Analytics. The index is a monthly measure of the initial report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. After retreating from July through September, the index has now registered gains for two consecutive months, indicating that the nonresidential building market continues to trend upward even with the occasional setback. The Momentum Index is now 14% above the same month a year ago, and is at its highest level since early 2009. The November rise in the Momentum Index was the result of greater planning activity in the commercial sector, which rose 4.0% for the month. The increase for the overall Index was held back, however, by a 3.8% drop in planning activity for the institutional sector. For the full report, CLICK HERE.
