Economy

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    ‘Your main challenge in 2025’: finding workers

    The construction industry needs nearly half a million more workers, particularly those with trades skills and experience, to deliver on project demand, per Associated Builders and Contractors.

    By • Jan. 24, 2025
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    Trump takes action around energy, immigration, tariffs

    The newly sworn-in president issued several executive orders on Monday that could impact contractors.

    By • Jan. 21, 2025
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    Trendline

    Top 5 stories from Construction Dive

    Construction Dive editors curate some of the industry’s top stories from this year.

    By Construction Dive staff
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    Sponsored by American Express

    American Express is connecting contractors to Billd’s extended payment terms for materials purchases

    American Express and Billd are teaming up to help eligible construction companies access working capital through extended payment terms.

    Jan. 21, 2025
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    What to expect as Trump takes office

    As the President-elect is sworn in on Monday, here’s what contractors need to know about how his administration could impact the industry.

    By Construction Dive Staff • Jan. 17, 2025
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    Economic Reports

    Construction input prices hold steady, but contractors brace for hikes

    A majority of builders cited rising costs and tariffs as top issues for the year ahead.

    By • Jan. 15, 2025
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    Mario Tama/Getty Images via Getty Images
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    Economic Reports

    Contractors breathe ‘sigh of relief’ as project stress drops

    The measure of paused, abandoned and delayed bid builds now sits well below its January 2024 peak, according to ConstructConnect.

    By • Jan. 14, 2025
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    Brandon Bell/Getty Images via Getty Images
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    Economic Reports

    December 2024 economic roundup

    Construction Dive tracks recent key industry data including backlog, planning activity, input costs, starts, job openings and spending.

    By • Jan. 13, 2025
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    2025 Outlook

    Will contractors scramble for labor this year? It depends.

    Firms that build multi-year megaprojects may have more success finding construction workers, experts say.

    By • Updated Jan. 13, 2025
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    Opinion // Business Matters

    Resolve to win more jobs in the new year

    Running a construction company is hard, but these steps can lead to a more profitable business, writes consultant Matt Verderamo.

    By Matt Verderamo • Jan. 9, 2025
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    Economic Reports

    Job openings drop 40% YOY

    The latest hiring report indicates contractor uncertainty around the presidential election and what the year will bring, according to a construction economist.

    By • Jan. 8, 2025
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    Courtesy of California High-Speed Rail Authority
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    2025 Outlook

    5 ways Trump could impact infrastructure construction in 2025

    The incoming administration promises new policies that could affect permits, materials, labor and project funding.

    By • Jan. 7, 2025
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    2025 Outlook

    3 charts contractors should watch this year

    Donald Trump's return to the White House and tight financing conditions are among the trends shaping building activity this year. Here are the most important indicators.

    By • Jan. 7, 2025
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    unkas_photo via Getty Images
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    Multifamily starts fall dramatically

    Apartment completions rose 13.6% year over year, markedly lower than the 61% YOY increase in October, while permits jumped.

    By Leslie Shaver • Jan. 3, 2025
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    smodj via Getty Images
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    Nonresidential spending dips

    Despite a boom in data center projects, construction momentum has slowed due in part to elevated financing costs, according to ABC's chief economist.

    By • Jan. 3, 2025
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    Mark Wilson via Getty Images
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    Tariffs could jump by $800B annually: PwC

    Businesses should prepare for wide-ranging impacts stemming from a new presidential administration, including the need to revamp supply chains and cost structures. 

    By Suman Bhattacharyya • Jan. 2, 2025
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    Courtesy of Washington state DOT
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    Economic Reports

    The 9 largest commercial construction starts of November 2024

    Total groundbreakings jumped 5% due to strong infrastructure activity, according to Dodge Construction Network.

    By • Dec. 20, 2024
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    Zach Gibson via Getty Images
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    TCJA extensions under Trump ‘very possible’: tax expert

    Provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act could survive the legislation’s 2025 expiration date, said Anchin’s Fred Barotz during a recent webinar.

    By • Dec. 19, 2024
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    Fed trims main interest rate, signals prospect of less easing in 2025

    Policymakers reduced the benchmark interest despite signs that their nearly three-year fight to push down inflation to their 2% target has stalled.

    By Jim Tyson • Dec. 19, 2024
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    Courtesy of Cirba Solutions
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    Economic Reports

    Project stress spikes ahead of expected rate cut

    The increase in on-hold and abandoned projects suggests the market was “overly optimistic” about how much the Fed would cut rates, said a chief economist.

    By • Dec. 17, 2024
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    Spencer Platt/Getty Images via Getty Images
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    Economic Reports

    Construction input prices stay flat, but broader inflation jumps

    November's data indicates stability in overall costs, but close analysis reveals mixed pressures for contractors, according to construction economists.

    By • Dec. 13, 2024
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    How CIOs can prepare for Trump’s tariffs plan

    The president-elect has proposed tariffs on imported goods, stoking concerns about higher costs for electronics.

    By Jen A. Miller • Dec. 11, 2024
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    Economic Reports

    Backlog holds steady as contractors eye private construction rebound

    Infrastructure backlog remains a standout, posting year-over-year gains despite declines in other categories.

    By • Dec. 11, 2024
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    Avalon_Studio via Getty Images
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    Economic Reports

    Turner cost index rises 3.6% YOY

    The benchmark compiled by the largest contractor in the country contrasted with the government’s PPI data for nonresidential construction. 

    By • Dec. 10, 2024
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    Michael Gonzalez/Getty Images via Getty Images
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    Economic Reports

    November 2024 economic roundup

    Construction Dive tracks recent key industry data including backlog, planning activity, input costs, starts, job openings and spending.

    By • Dec. 10, 2024
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    Courtesy of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano
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    Economic Reports

    Planning cools again on slower data center growth

    Labor shortages and high construction costs have prevented projects from moving through the pipeline at a normal pace, according to Dodge Construction Network.

    By • Dec. 9, 2024