March 2018 Construction Spending

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Construction spending during March 2018 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of $1,284.7 billion, 1.7% (±0.8%) below the revised February estimate of $1,306.4 billion (originally $1,273.1 billion); consensus expectations were for +0.5%. The March figure is 3.6% (±1.3%) above the March 2017 SAAR of $1,239.6 billion; the not-seasonally adjusted YoY change (shown in the table below) was +3.9%. During the first three months of this year, construction spending amounted to $279.0 billion, 5.5% (±1.2%) above the $264.5 billion for the same period in 2017.

* 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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Private Construction

Spending on private construction was at a SAAR of $987.5 billion, 2.1% (±0.8%) below the revised February estimate of $1,009.1 billion.
- Residential: $536.8 billion, 3.5% (±1.3%) below February’s estimate of $556.5 billion;
- Nonresidential: $450.7 billion, 0.4% (±0.8%)* below February’s $452.5 billion.

Public Construction

Public construction spending was $297.2 billion, nearly the same as (±1.6%)* the revised February estimate of $297.3 billion.
- Educational: $73.1 billion, -0.1% (±2.5%)*;
- Highway: $91.0 billion, +1.2% (±5.4%)*. 

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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.