March’s ABI national overall score of 51.0, down 1.0 point from February’s 52.0 but still well into the expansionary zone, (>50). Although business conditions in the northeast region softened, it remained strong in the West and South regions.

The March Bureau of Labor Statistics producer prices index, (PPI) excluding food and energy, the final demand goods PPI rose 0.4% for the third consecutive month. The PPI for all commodities was down 0.2% month on month, (m/m).

Total U.S. construction spending continued to perform well in February, especially in the public sector.

The U.S. Census Bureau reported yesterday that; new orders for durable goods orders gained 3.1% month on month, (m/m) in February, good news after the disappointing 3.5% decline in January. The always volatile nondefense aircraft orders, adding 25.5% m/m.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s latest data, housing starts fell by 7.0% month on month, (m/m) in February to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) of 1,236,000 units. This figure was down 90,000 from January’s SAAR of 1,326,000 units.

February’s ABI national overall score of 52.0 was down 2.7 points from January’s 54.7 but still well into the expansionary zone, (>50). U.S. architecture firms with emphasis on multifamily and/or institutional specialization reported exceptional strong billings.