Architecture Billings Index Points to Possible Economic Improvement

 

Regional averages for Architecture Billings Index include: Northeast (47.1), South (45.0), Midwest (40.1), West (39.2). Sector index breakdown: mixed practice (44.2), institutional (43.2), multi-family residential (43.2), commercial / industrial (41.7); Project inquiries index: 56.8. ?EUR??,,????'??? Courtesy of www.protectedtomorrows.com

Unfavorable business conditions remain, but inquiries by potential clients continue to grow. After an eight-point jump in March, the Architecture Billings Index fell less than a full point in April. 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. American Institute of Architects reported the April ABI rating was 42.8, down from the 43.7 mark in March.