March 2016 Construction Spending

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Construction spending during March 2016 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of $1,137.5 billion (the highest nominal level since October 2007), 0.3 percent (±1.0%)* above the revised February estimate of $1,133.6 billion; expectations were for a 0.5% increase. The March figure is 8.0 percent (±1.6%) above the March 2015 SAAR of $1,052.9 billion. The not-seasonally adjusted YoY change (shown in the above table), was 8.6%.

During 1Q2016, construction spending amounted to $240.4 billion, 9.1 percent (±1.5%) above the $220.3 billion for the same period in 2015.

PRIVATE CONSTRUCTION

Spending on private construction was at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $842.3 billion, 1.1 percent (±0.8%) above the revised February estimate of $832.8 billion.
- Residential construction: $435.5 billion, +1.6 percent (±1.3%)
- Nonresidential construction: $406.8 billion, +0.7 percent (±0.8%)*.

PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION

Public construction spending was $295.2 billion, 1.9 percent (±2.0%)* below the revised February estimate of $300.8 billion.
- Educational construction: $69.6 billion, +0.4 percent (±2.8%)*
- Highway construction: $97.3 billion, 0.4 percent (±6.6%)*.

* 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 March’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.