ABI Climbs Into Positive Territory For First Time in Four Months
Continuing the positive momentum of a nearly three-point bump in October, the Architecture Billings Index in November reached its first positive mark since August. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine- to 12-month lag between architecture billings and construction spending.
The American Institute of Architects reported the November ABI score was 52.0, following a score of 49.4 in October. This score reflects an overall increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 65.0, up dramatically from a reading of 57.3 the previous month.