Construction + Economy

From FMI: “Economic forecasting is a tricky business even in normal times, and the current national and global economy is anything but normal. Nonetheless, FMI’s forecast calls for more slow growth for the construction industry. Despite the constant confusion of news from Europe and uncertainty and inaction in the U.S. Congress, there are some positive [...]

NEMA’s Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) for current North American conditions slipped to 52.4 in June from 54.2 in May and has retreated more than 20 points since reaching a post-recession high in February. Despite its recent slide, the index continues to point to an economic environment conducive to industry growth, as it has for [...]

Following the first negative reading in five months, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) suffered a significant drop in May. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI, produced by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), reflects the approximate 9- to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. AIA reported the May [...]

Demand for lighting fixtures in the U.S. will increase 7.5% annually to $25.3 billion in 2016, recovering from the declines of the 2006-2011 period, according to Lighting Fixtures, a new industry study by The Freedonia Group. An expected rebound in building construction activity and improved outlook for motor vehicle production will be important drivers for [...]

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has announced that it will delay ballot on LEED 2012 until June 1, 2013 (or potentially earlier in 2013 if USGBC members and the market indicate readiness for ballot). Because of this date change, LEED 2012 is being renamed LEED v4. In addition to the ballot date change, other [...]

NEMA’s Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) for current North American conditions slipped to 54.2 in May from 59.1 the previous month and has retreated by a cumulative 18.3 points since reaching a post-recession high in February. Despite its recent slide, the index continues to point to an economic environment conducive to industry growth, as it [...]

After five months of positive readings, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI), produced by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), has fallen into negative terrain. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate 9- to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The AIA reported the April ABI score [...]

After seeing ebbs and flows in each of the four prior quarters, NEMA’s Lighting Systems Index gained 5.2% on a quarter-to-quarter basis during 2012Q1. On a year-over-year basis, the index increased by 3.7%, indicating that aggregate lighting equipment demand has improved appreciably since the recovery began; however it remains well below the levels observed during [...]

The commercial sector continues to lead the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) which has remained in positive territory for the fifth consecutive month. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate 9- to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the March [...]