Construction Spending

Who: Department of Commerce, Census Bureau

When: First business day of the month for two months prior

What: The report measures the total amount of spending in the U.S. on all types of construction. It is the most comprehensive indicator of national construction activity. There are several building types reported, residential/non-residential, private/public and other (roads and utility lines). Trends in the report lasting three months or more show significance, rather than the actual monthly analysis due to the fact that a building is only reported once it is completed and tends to be a lagging indicator.

Why: Used to estimate the construction contribution to GDP. Construction permits issuances, also available from the Census Bureau, are a more useful leading indicator of activity.