Economy

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    Construction planning jumped 7% to close 2025 strong

    On top of the monthly gain in December, the Dodge Momentum Index finished the year 37% higher compared to 2024.

    By • Jan. 9, 2026
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    Construction job openings bounce back

    The number of available positions grew by 90,000 in November following an “extraordinarily low level” in October, according to the latest federal data.

    By • Jan. 8, 2026
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    Trendline

    Labor

    A roundup of articles about issues affecting the workforce.

    By Construction Dive staff
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    US plans fresh China semiconductor tariffs for 2027

    The duty rate will be set at least 30 days before the implementation date and stack on top of existing levies, per a Federal Register filing.

    By Philip Neuffer • Jan. 5, 2026
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    Courtesy of Los Angeles World Airports
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    Construction starts tumbled 20.5% amid megaproject pullback

    Only two projects over $1 billion broke ground in November, according to Dodge Construction Network, but second half momentum was still robust.

    By • Dec. 23, 2025
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    Minneapolis Fed survey: Nonresidential builders face tighter pipelines, rising costs

    “Uncertainty isn’t going away quickly,” an official said, but data centers and healthcare projects are providing a lifeline.

    By Keith Loria • Dec. 18, 2025
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    Construction backlog slips as smaller contractors feel the squeeze

    Builders’ pipelines now sit at their lowest level since February 2024, according to Associated Builders and Contractors.

    By • Dec. 17, 2025
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    Construction adds 28,000 jobs in November

    Hiring gains in nonresidential construction improved as other parts of the labor market lost momentum.

    By • Dec. 16, 2025
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    Fed’s rate cut boosts existing construction projects, more needed to spur new builds

    The central bank’s 25-basis-point cut adds to a steady easing cycle, but contractors say it’s unlikely to stimulate a surge in new nonresidential construction starts.

    By • Dec. 10, 2025
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    Inflation holds steady, bolstering case for Fed benchmark rate cut

    Most Fed watchers and futures traders expect the Federal Reserve will trim the federal funds rate by a quarter point to a range of 3.5% to 3.75% on Dec. 10.

    By Jim Tyson • Dec. 9, 2025
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    Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images via Getty Images
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    Tariffs drive surge in construction project stress

    As companies deplete their pre-Liberation Day stockpiles, rising construction costs are pushing owners and developers to cancel builds, according to ConstructConnect. 

    By • Dec. 8, 2025
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    Courtesy of Novva
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    Construction planning falls again, but data center boom continues

    Megaprojects are boosting the building pipeline as overall momentum dipped for a second consecutive month, according to Dodge Construction Network.

    By • Dec. 5, 2025
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    Companies cut 32,000 from payrolls as Fed debates trimming main rate: ADP

    Futures traders have increased the odds that the Federal Reserve on Dec. 10 will cut borrowing costs to 89% from 83.4.% last week.

    By Jim Tyson • Dec. 5, 2025
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    Justin Sullivan/Getty Images via Getty Images
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    Construction costs climb for 5th straight month

    Rising materials prices are keeping procurement unpredictable for contractors, said Macrina Wilkins, senior research analyst at Associated General Contractors of America.

    By • Dec. 1, 2025
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    With flat revenues and increasing costs, more cities are tightening their belts

    Fiscal confidence among city finance officers is plunging as COVID-era federal aid winds down, a National League of Cities survey found.

    By Ryan Kushner • Nov. 25, 2025
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    Federal shutdown pushed construction project stress higher

    Public project abandonments surged during the government closure in October, though November’s reopening could ease some pressure.

    By • Nov. 24, 2025
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    Ron Jenkins/Getty Images via Getty Images
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    Construction starts surge 21%, led by multibillion-dollar projects

    Megaproject construction, including data center and manufacturing work, boosted overall groundbreakings in October, according to Dodge Construction Network.

    By • Nov. 21, 2025
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    Nonresidential construction spending fell for 3rd time in 4 months

    The August U.S. Census Bureau report, delayed by the federal government shutdown, showed weakness across commercial construction categories, though data center activity held firm.

    By • Nov. 18, 2025
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    Contractor backlog slips, strength depends on sector

    A majority of builders believe construction activity is contracting, per Associated Builders and Contractors, yet those in leading sectors have healthy books.

    By • Nov. 13, 2025
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    M&A activity ticks up across the construction industry

    Construction firms, contech providers and consultants have all made recent deals to combine forces or expand into new markets. 

    By • Nov. 13, 2025
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    Courtesy of Scripps
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    Project costs stymy construction planning

    Dodge Construction Network forecasts early-stage activity to decelerate, especially as macroeconomic risks mount.

    By • Nov. 12, 2025
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    AI, robotics push built environment tech funding to $4.4B influx

    Cash infusions to the sector saw a 66% year-over-year increase, per a Nymbl Ventures report.

    By • Nov. 12, 2025
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    US Steel outlines $14B domestic investment plan with Nippon Steel

    In addition to $11 billion in U.S. facility improvements by 2028, the companies plan to drive operational efficiencies and reduce costs to bolster profitability.

    By Nathan Owens • Nov. 10, 2025
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    Supreme Court questions Trump’s tariff powers in landmark case

    Several justices seemed skeptical of the Trump administration's claims of broad tariff authority under a 1977 emergency powers act.

    By Antone Gonsalves • Nov. 7, 2025
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    WSP downplays M&A rumors, government shutdown

    The Montreal-based builder recorded gains across its backlog, profits and revenue year over year in Q3 while affirming its commitment to the North American market.

    By • Nov. 7, 2025
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    Contractors’ pay strategies hint at stabilizing job market

    Salary increases driven by labor shortages and inflation have begun to slow, indicating an easing labor market, according to a recent report from an accounting advisory firm.

    By • Nov. 5, 2025