The US-based Dodge Momentum Index (DMI), issued by Dodge Construction Network, increased by 3.8% (2000=100) in November to 207.2 from the revised October reading of 199.6. During the month, the DMI continued its steady ascent, with the commercial component rising 4.3% and the institutional component ticking up 2.7%.
Commercial planning experienced a healthy increase in American hotel and data centre projects and modest growth in stores and office projects. While education and healthcare projects slowed in November, the institutional component remained net-positive alongside a robust increase in planning projects for US government administrative buildings and religious facilities. On a year-over-year basis, the DMI was 25% higher than in November 2021, the commercial component was up 28%, and institutional planning was 21% higher.
Twenty-one projects worth $100 million or more entered planning in November. The leading commercial projects included two $500 million segments of a Facebook data centre in Sandston, Virginia, and the $400 million Sunset Industrial Park warehouse in Sunset Park, New York. The leading institutional projects comprised of the $185 million Hollywood Casino relocation in Joliet, Illinois, and the $160 million Smith County courthouse in Tyler, Texas.
“The Momentum Index continued to rise in November, conveying hopefulness from owners and developers that the construction sector will endure the possible economic slowdown next year,” said Sarah Martin, senior economist for Dodge Construction Network. “The rate of increase in the DMI has steadied over the month. Labour and supply shortages, high material costs and high-interest rates could temper planning activity over the next 12 months to a more modest pace.”
The DMI is a monthly measure of the initial report for nonresidential building projects in planning, shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year.
