ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator Jumps; Contractor Confidence Remains Steady

Associated Builders and Contractors reports that its Construction Backlog Indicator increased to 9 months in September, according to an ABC member survey conducted Sept. 20-Oct. 5. The reading is 1.4 months higher than in Sept. 2021.

View ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator and Construction Confidence Index tables for September.

Backlog reached its highest level since May and is once again above the level observed at the start of the pandemic (8.9 months in February 2020). Backlog in heavy industrial increased sizably in September, spurred by a 21.5% year-over-year increase in manufacturing-related construction spending.

ABC’s Construction Confidence Index readings for profit margins and staffing levels increased in September, while the reading for sales moved slightly lower. All three readings remain above the threshold of 50, indicating expectations of growth over the next six months.

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