February 2016 Construction Spending

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Construction spending during February 2016 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of $1,144.0 billion, 0.5 percent (±1.6%)* below the revised January estimate of $1,150.1 billion (originally $1,140.8 billion); expectations were for a 0.2% increase. The February figure is 10.3 percent (±2.1%) above the February 2015 estimate of $1,037.5 billion.

During the first two months of this year, construction spending amounted to $157.1 billion, 11.2 percent (±1.8%) above the $141.3 billion for the same period in 2015.

PRIVATE CONSTRUCTION

Spending on private construction decreased by 0.1 percent (±1.0%)* --
- Residential construction: +0.9 percent (±1.3%)*
- Nonresidential construction: -1.3 percent (±1.0%)

PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION

Public construction spending fell by 1.7 percent (±3.1%)* --
- Educational construction: -4.2 percent (±2.6%)
- Highway construction: -2.1 percent (±11.5%)*

* 90% confidence interval includes zero. The U.S. Census Bureau does not have sufficient statistical evidence to conclude that the actual change is different from zero. 

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Click here for a discussion of February’s new residential permits, starts and completions. Click here for a discussion of new and existing home sales, inventories and prices.

The foregoing comments represent the general economic views and analysis of Delphi Advisors, and are provided solely for the purpose of information, instruction and discourse. They do not constitute a solicitation or recommendation regarding any investment.