August 2019 Construction Spending

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Construction spending during August 2019 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of $1,287.3 billion, 0.1% (±1.2%)* above the revised July estimate of $1,285.6 billion (originally $1,288.8 billion); consensus expectations were for +0.3%. The August figure is 1.9% (±1.8%) below the August 2018 SAAR of $1,312.2 billion; the not-seasonally adjusted YoY change (shown in the table below) was -1.9%.

During the first eight months of this year, construction spending amounted to $851.3 billion, 2.3% (±1.2%) below the $871.3 billion for the same period in 2018.

* 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 $955.0 billion, nearly the same (±0.8%)* as the revised July estimate of $954.8 billion (originally $963.1 billion):
- Residential: $507.2 billion, +0.9% (±1.3%)*;
- Nonresidential: $447.9 billion, -1.0% (±0.8%).

Public Construction

Public construction spending was $332.3 billion, 0.4% (±2.0%)* above the revised July estimate of $330.8 billion (originally $325.7 billion):
- Educational: $77.0 billion, +1.4% (±2.6%)*;
- Highway: $98.9 billion, +0.6% (±4.8%)*.

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Click here for a discussion of August’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.