Dodge Momentum Index falls in August

By Jack Kopanski| September 12, 2022

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The Dodge Momentum Index dipped 1.2 percent in August to 171.9 from a revised July figure of 174.

The momentum index, issued by Dodge Construction Network, is a monthly measure of the initial report for nonresidential building projects in planning, that has been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. In August, the commercial component of the momentum index rose 1 percent while the institutional component fell 5.6 percent.

Commercial planning in August was led by an increase in hotel projects, while fewer healthcare projects drove the institutional component lower. Compared to August 2021, the momentum index is up 14 percent. The commercial component is 16 percent higher than a year earlier, and the institutional component is 10 percent higher.

Project specifics

A total of 26 projects with a value of $100 million or more entered planning in August.

According to Dodge, the leading commercial projects were the $400 million Two Tower office building in Chicago, the $300 million second phase of the Sungate Logistics Park in Daytona Beach, Florida, and the $275 million Aligned Data Center in Sterling, Virginia.

The leading institutional projects were the $360 million Scripps Mercy Hospital expansion and the $275 million Triton Center redevelopment – both located in San Diego. Additionally, $275 million in improvements for Okemos Public Schools in Meridian Charter Township, Michigan, went into planning.

“In spite of weak institutional planning activity, the momentum index remained elevated in August – just a notch below July’s 14-year high,” says Sarah Martin, senior economist at Dodge Construction Network. “This indicates continued confidence from owners and developers that nonresidential building projects will be realized in the coming year. Weaker economic conditions and rising interest rates, however, may grind down overall consumer and business confidence as we move into 2023, translating into fewer nonresidential building projects breaking ground.”