2025

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Factory construction spending is down nearly 16% from its 2024 peak, even as copper and steel drive a January rebound in input prices.

ENR’s 20-city average cost indexes, wages and materials prices. Historical data and details for ENR’s 20 cities can be found at ENR.com/economics

Does a slide in construction backlog signal tougher bidding and thinner margins ahead, or can contractors still find growth in infrastructure and data centers?

Federal Trade Commission suit against German firm Henkel’s bid comes as construction materials prices stay elevated, raising concerns that consolidation could hike bid risk and squeeze contractor margins.

ENR’s 20-city average cost indexes, wages and materials prices. Historical data and details for ENR’s 20 cities can be found at ENR.com/economics

Construction job openings declined again in October as hiring slowed and worker churn fell, signaling a cooler labor market even as contractors remain cautiously optimistic about early-2026 staffing.

ENR’s 20-city average cost indexes, wages and materials prices. Historical data and details for ENR’s 20 cities can be found at ENR.com/economics

ENR’s 20-city average cost indexes, wages and materials prices. Historical data and details for ENR’s 20 cities can be found at ENR.com/economics

ENR’s 20-city average cost indexes, wages and materials prices. Historical data and details for ENR’s 20 cities can be found at ENR.com/economics

What’s driving the downturn as agencies and contractors head into year’s end?