A stable backlog and dip in energy costs offered some relief, but outside of data centers, momentum weakened across key construction sectors, according to the latest economic reports.

Data center projects remained the bright spot for commercial contractors. Work on these facilities drove most of the growth in planning and helped sustain commercial building activity overall.

Outside of that, however, planning slowed and total construction starts tumbled 9%, including steep drops in infrastructure and commercial groundbreakings. Private nonresidential investment also fell for the third time in four months, though public dollars continued to support transportation and utilities work.

Contractors reported rising cancellation rates tied to tariffs, even as many firms remained optimistic about profit margins and future staffing. Labor data showed little movement in job openings or turnover, as firms pulled back on hiring but continued to hold onto workers amid uncertainty.

Here, Construction Dive rounds up the latest key economic data for builders.