ENR’s Construction Industry Confidence Index fell four points this quarter, to a rating of 40. Confidence in the current construction market is virtually unchanged, but execs have become more pessimistic about the short- and medium-term future.
Prices for used construction equipment have continued to show signs of stabilizing over the last few months, a trend also seen in other heavy equipment categories.
Despite inflation, labor shortages and other troubles plaguing the construction industry, some sectors continue to thrive, but others face difficulties as demand for growth slows.
As compensation for labor and staff continues to rise, executives are keeping pace and garnering some of the biggest pay increases seen in the C-suite in over 15 years.
With the economy so far navigating through recession risks, ENR’s Construction Industry Confidence Index shot up 11 points this quarter to a cautiously pessimistic 44 rating, with 68% of survey respondents seeing the current market as either stable or improving, up from 62.7% last quarter.
Recession fears continue to loom as the first quarter comes to a close. Inflation remains an ongoing issue, while recent failures in the banking sector pose additional threats.