Despite a surprisingly strong economy, construction industry executives report that they enter 2024 with much of the same trepidation they faced at the start of 2023.

In an industry with low project margins, a high level of unpredictability, and fierce competition (both domestic and international), it does not take much to turn a profitable project into a loss-making project, putting the whole business at risk.

Decreased activity reported in nonresidential building, housing and public works sectors.

Nonresidential fixed investment fell in Q2 2016 for the third consecutive quarter, slipping 2.2% from the first quarter.

Only five of the 15 construction subsectors experienced spending growth on a monthly basis.

Construction industry confidence remains high despite stock market jitters.

Nonresidential construction spending totaled $681.2 billion in 2015, but declines in several key categories could be a cause for concern.

The newest Census Bureau report represents the worst monthly performance for project spending since April.