flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Construction economists optimistic about 2014 growth

Construction economists optimistic about 2014 growth

ABC’s quarterly Construction Backlog Indicator (CBI) will be released Aug. 19.


By Associated Builders and Contractors | August 5, 2014
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Chief Economist Anirban Basu, American Institute of Architects (AIA) Chief Economist Kermit Baker and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Chief Economist David Crowe provided a collaborative economic forecast combining their expert economic analysis on leading, present and lagging economic indicators.
 
"A combination of low interest rates; wealth effects stemming from a booming stock market and rising home prices; surging energy production; and expanding industrial output has helped position the U.S. economy for more rapid growth during the next several quarters," said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. "This will lead to more robust recovery in the U.S. nonresidential construction industry, which has also been aided by stable materials prices and improving commercial real estate fundamentals. ABC predicts 7 percent nominal nonresidential construction growth in 2014, despite ongoing challenges in the public construction segment."
 
"We continue to have an optimistic outlook for the commercial and industrial sectors for the rest of this year and into 2015," said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. "However, until we see state and local governments ramp up spending for new education, health care and public safety structures there likely won’t be a widespread acceleration in spending for the entire industry."
 
"Economic pick-up in the second quarter was coupled with a return in housing construction," said David Crowe, chief economist for NAHB. "We expect continued modest growth in housing construction as employment rises and more household formations take place. However, continued tight supplies of labor and land will put upward pressure on new home prices."
 
In addition to this forecast, AIA released its latest Architecture Billings Index (ABI) July 23, NAHB released its latest NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) July 16 and ABC’s quarterly Construction Backlog Indicator (CBI) will be released Aug. 19.

Related Stories

Architects | Aug 27, 2020

Strategically planning your firm past the COVID-19 pandemic

As AEC firm leaders consider worst-case scenarios and explore possible solutions to surmount them, they learn to become nimble, quick, and ready to pivot as circumstances demand.

Digital Twin | Aug 27, 2020

The Weekly show: Digital twin technology and social equity in the AEC market

The August 27 episode of BD+C's "The Weekly" is available for viewing on demand. 

Coronavirus | Aug 25, 2020

Video: 5 building sectors to watch amid COVID-19

RCLCO's Brad Hunter reveals the winners and non-winners of the U.S. real estate market during the coronavirus pandemic.

Contractors | Aug 24, 2020

Guidance on design assist vs. delegated design released

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) have released a paper that provides guidance on design collaboration on construction projects.

University Buildings | Jul 24, 2020

A hybrid learning approach could redefine higher education

Universities reassess current assets to determine growth strategies.

Contractors | Jul 8, 2020

Construction businesses top one cohort of borrowers under Paycheck Protection Program

The loans saved an estimated 17,500 construction jobs.

Coronavirus | Jun 19, 2020

Experts address COVID-19's impact on nursing homes and schools on The Weekly

The June 18 episode of BD+C's "The Weekly" is available for viewing on demand. 

Coronavirus | Jun 12, 2020

BD+C launches 'The Weekly,' a streaming program for the design and construction industry

The first episode, now available on demand, features experts from Robins & Morton, Gensler, and FMI on the current state of the AEC market.

Contractors | Jun 11, 2020

Patriarch of The Boldt Company dies at 96

Oscar Boldt left an indelible business and charitable mark.

Coronavirus | May 29, 2020

Black & Veatch, DPR, Haskell, McCarthy launch COVID-19 construction safety coalition

The NEXT Coalition will challenge engineering and construction firms to enhance health and safety amid the Coronavirus pandemic.  

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021