Dodge Momentum Index Increases to Start 2021

HAMILTON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Dodge Momentum Index increased 3.1% in January to 139.4 (2000=100) from the revised December reading of 135.2. The Momentum Index, issued by Dodge Data & Analytics, is a monthly measure of the first (or initial) report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. The commercial component of the Momentum Index moved 9.9% higher, offsetting an 11.7% decrease in the institutional component.

January’s increase marked the highest level in the Momentum Index since the COVID-19 pandemic began. While certainly positive news, the Momentum Index is also sending a warning that the construction sector’s recovery may be very uneven in the months ahead. Institutional planning hit its lowest level since the Momentum Index began in 2002 as state and local governments pull back on building plans in the wake of growing budget deficits. Conversely, commercial planning is at its highest level since before the Great Recession, fueled by an increasing number of warehouse projects and to a somewhat lesser degree office projects. On a year-over-year basis the overall Momentum Index is 2.2% below January 2020. The commercial component is up 12.3% year-over-year, while the institutional component is down 27.7%.

In January, 13 projects each with a value of $100 million or more entered planning. The leading commercial projects were a $420 million Walmart distribution center in Lancaster TX and a $355 million Amazon warehouse (Project Roxy) in Arlington WA. The leading institutional projects were the $175 million Norman Regional Healthplex expansion in Norman OK and the $156 million Mercy Health Hospital in Kings Mills OH.

About Dodge Data & Analytics: Dodge Data & Analytics is North America’s leading provider of commercial construction project data, market forecasting & analytics services and workflow integration solutions for the construction industry. Building product manufacturers, architects, engineers, contractors, and service providers leverage Dodge to identify and pursue unseen growth opportunities that help them grow their business. On a local, regional or national level, Dodge empowers its customers to better understand their markets, uncover key relationships, size growth opportunities, and pursue specific sales opportunities with success. The company’s construction project information is the most comprehensive and verified in the industry. Dodge is leveraging its more than 125-year-old legacy of continuous innovation to help the industry meet the building challenges of the future. Learn more at www.construction.com.