Dive Summary:

• The economic recovery, as measured  by the pace of construction spending, lost a few steps in August, according to an analysis of federal figures.
• August spending among all sectors would put the annual total a $837 billion if it were the same for 12 months. The decline would have been larger if single-family and multifamily construction had not helped offset the still-declining public sector, Associated General Contractors said.
• Total spending remained up for the year, however, and August was still 6.5% above the year-ago pace.

From the release:

Construction spending declined between July and August to an annualized rate of $837 billion, but increased compared to August 2011, according to an analysis of new federal data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. ...