Amount of U.S. manufacturing technology consumption in January. This total was down 16.3% from December but up 188.3% when compared with the total of $128.82 million reported for January 2010. According to the AMTDA, these numbers confirm that U.S. manufacturers are reinvesting to improve productivity.
Source: Association for Manufacturing Technology and the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association (AMTDA)
Number of points the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) slipped in January, after showing positive momentum during the fourth quarter of 2010. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine- to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The January ABI score was 50.0, down from 54.0 the previous month.
Source: American Institute of Architects
Percentage increase in prices for construction materials in January, according to the February 16 Producer Price Index (PPI) report by the Department of Labor. Marking the fourth straight monthly rise, this increase is a sign that inflation may have arrived. Inputs to construction industry prices are 4.9% higher from January 2010.
Source: Associated Builders and Contractors
Number of points the Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) for current North American conditions rose to in February, reaching 69.6 — six points higher than January’s reading of 63.6. The index has topped 60 points in each of the last four months, indicating a sustained improvement in the economic environment facing a broad cross section of electrical equipment manufacturers. A reading above 50 indicates more panelists reported better conditions compared to the previous month than reported worse conditions.
Source: NEMA
Level of construction unemployment in January, as the sector lost another 32,000 jobs since December 2010, according to an analysis of recent federal employment data. According to AGC officials, this new information underscores the challenges facing the industry as the stimulus winds down, and demand for private and public construction remain weak.
Source: Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)