U.S. Engineering & Construction market overview
Insight
- As of Nov. 2020, YTD non-residential construction spending and spending in water supply and power sectors have increased YoY relative to 2019 levels
- Non-residential construction spending is up 4.0% as of Nov. 2020 relative to 2019 spending, and construction spending in water supply and power sectors are update 12.4% and 19.7%, respectively
- In Q4 2020, the Associated Builders and Contractors construction backlog indicator fell 2.7% during the quarter to 7.3 months and is down 17.1% relative to Q4 2019
- An increase in the postponement or delay of major construction projects has been the driving force in the decline of the Associated Builders and Contractors construction backlog in 2020 and is a direct result of the lasting effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic in the U.S.
- Despite a weak short-term outlook, it is anticipated construction backlog will rebound in 2021 due to the increasing availability of COVID-19 vaccines and that delays or postponements of major construction projects are expected to be temporary
Construction backlog(1)
Non-residential construction spending
Construction spending by sector
Footnotes
(1) Associated Builders and Contractors, Construction Backlog Indicator.
* Denotes % change in aggregate construction spending for YTD November, on year-on-year basis.
Source: S&P Capital IQ, Associated Builders and Contractors, and wall street research.
