Executive Industry Trends
The labor market continues to tighten, and construction labor costs continue to rise especially in expensive coastal cities.
GDP growth and corporate profitability bolstered nonresidential construction growth throughout 2018; residential construction was choppier over the year. Housing market activity continued to soften in Q4 as housing starts fell.
Key themes in construction industry mergers and acquisitions have been consolidation as retiring baby boomers look for exit opportunities and the rise of construction technology and software companies.
After two years of Fed rate hikes, the Fed has adopted a wait-and-see approach to raising rates as treasury yield spreads continue to flatten.
IN THIS ISSUE
Construction Overview
GDP
Unemployment
Value Put-In-Place
Sector Focus
Non-Residential Construction
10-Year Yields
Real Broad Index
Corporate Profits
Sector Roundup
Residential Construction
Building Materials
Roads, Highways, and Bridges