MAR 1
2012
2012
View AGC Chief Economist Ken Simonson's presentation on the outlook for construction activity, materials, and labor.
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Construction Economics
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MAR 30
2012
2012
Construction employment rose in 30 states and the District of Columbia between February 2011 and February 2012, while 18 states lost construction jobs and two held steady—the best net positive showing for state construction employment since January 2007, according to an analysis byAGC of Labor Department data. Twenty-nine states and D.C. added construction jobs between January and February, while 21 states had decreases for the month.
APR 2
2012
2012
Construction spending in February topped year-ago totals by 5.8 percent as a double-digit increase in private construction offset a small drop in public sector spending, according to a new analysis of federal data released today by AGC. The gains occurred despite a 1.1 percent decrease in spending from January to February and a dip of 0.8 percent the month before, based on revised data.
APR 6
2012
2012
The construction industry lost 7,000 jobs between February and March, following a similar decline of 6,000 the month before, but extended a pattern of modest year-over-year job increases, according to an analysis of new federal employment data released today by AGC. Association officials said that lack of long-term federal highway and transit funding threatens to hold down future job gains.
APR 10
2012
2012
Construction employment increased in 171 out of 337 metropolitan areas between February 2011 and February 2012, decreased in 119 and stayed level in 47, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by AGC. Association officials said employment was growing in many metro areas thanks in large part to increasing private sector demand for construction.
APR 12
2012
2012
The cost of construction materials jumped in March, even as the amount contractors charge to complete projects remained stagnant, according to an analysis of producer price index figures released today by AGC. Association officials noted that the spike in materials prices continues despite relatively weak overall demand for construction, and cautioned that current market conditions could force some firms out of business.
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AGC's Chief Economist
Kenneth D. Simonson has been Chief Economist for the Associated General Contractors of America, the leading national construction trade association, since 2001. He provides insight into the economy and what it implies for construction and related industries through frequent media interviews, presentations and The Data DIGest, his weekly one-page e-newsletter.
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Brian Turmail
Executive Director, Public Affairs
Phone: (703) 837-5310
Fax: (703) 837-5407
Economics
Ken Simonson
Chief Economist
Phone: (703) 837-5313
Fax: (703) 837-5407
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