The U.S. producer prices index (PPI), for final demand decreased 0.1% in July. The unexpected decline in prices points to moderating inflation that may delay the FED from raising interest rates. For the 12 months ending July, the PPI rose 1.9%.

For the three months total (3MMT), ending May, national Portland cement shipments fell by 1.5% on a 3MMT year on year (y/y), basis. Seven of the nine census regions posted lower 3MMT cement shipments y/y.

The Dodge Momentum I

U.S. Census Bureau non-seasonally adjusted (NSA), constant dollar CPIP data showed that June total construction expenditures grew by 4.1% year on year (y/y), to $1208.9 billion (B). Private expenditures advanced 7.4% y/y, while, State & Local contracted by 4.5% y/y.

The national ABI score for June was 54.2, up 2.2 points above May’s score, (> 50 indicates an increase in billings). The ABI has been greater than 50 for five of months in a row and for nine of the last 12 months. The new projects inquiry index was 58.6, down 3.8 points month on month.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Producer Price Index (PPI) program measures the average change over time in the selling prices received by domestic producers for their output.  U.S.