After showing positive momentum during the fourth quarter of 2010, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) slipped almost four points in January, according to the American Institute of Architects.
As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine- to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The AIA reports the January ABI score was 50.0, down from a reading of 53.9 the previous month.