Archive for August, 2010
Lumber, Metals, and Gypsum Lead July Construction Materials Price Decline
The economic slowdown caused the second consecutive decline in the construction materials price index with a 1.1% fall in July. The largest declines were for steel, copper, lumber and gypsum products.
The margin of error for the U.S. economy is narrowing
U.S.
A spate of bad news about U.S. housing but watch for American resilience
The U.S.
Housing Recovery Stalls
Housing market drivers remained generally positive through June, except for inventory for sale, but all signs point to a significant summer slowdown, probably with some decline, after the expiration of the homebuyer tax credit. This was expected and does not signal a new trend in the housing market. The summer pause will be brief — just long enough to get past the recent pull forward of homebuyers caused by the tax credit, says Reed Construction Data chief economist Jim Haughey.
Nonresidential: Commercial Environment Improves; Institutional Environment Worsens
Commercial construction starts and spending are still slipping but most of the decline is now over so there are spot upward spikes occurring. But none are yet sustainable at the national level.
