The Dodge Momentum Index slipped 2.6% in February compared to the previous month, according to McGraw Hill Construction. The latest month's retreat is expected to be a brief pause in a broader upward trend, Dodge says. Weak employment growth in December and January raised concern that the U.S. economic expansion was losing momentum, dampening planning for commercial and institutional buildings. Moderate improvements in the February jobs report should alleviate some of that concern.