First-Half Construction Starts See a Small Boost

摘要

Total construction starts are up 1 % in the first half of 2018 compared to this time last year, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. Year-to-date starts have reached $395.7 million, following $390.4 million recorded in the first six months of 2017. "Overall, the industry is performing at a healthy clip," says Bob Murray, chief economist and vice president of Dodge Data & Analytics. He says that with the exception of the volatile natural gas power plant category, whose utility gas starts have experienced broad swings over the past several years, construction has risen 5% overall from this time last year.