Nonresidential construction index at its highest point ever

FMI, a management consulting and investment-banking firm with an index that measures nonresidential construction growth, released its 2014 First Quarter Nonresidential Construction Index (NRCI) report. The NRCI showed a 7.5-point increase since the last quarter, as well as a 6.8-point increase from the first quarter of 2013. This is the highest NRCI score to date, according to the firm.

The increase in the score stems from an optimistic view of a rising economy, as nearly half of FMI’s participants expect construction to grow up to 5 percent in 2014. With the increase in growth, executives are searching for new talent to assist and manage industry projects. Panelists with a more moderate view of the growth potential cite hiring talented people and finding profitable work as 2014 challenges. Uncertainty about the government’s direction is also weighing on them.