FMI Forecasts Steady Growth in Construction for 2016
Raleigh, NC JULY 28, 2016 – FMI’s forecast for the second quarter has not changed much from our first quarter report with growth for construction put in place expected to be 6%, although we have adjusted total residential down a bit and nonresidential construction up. The largest growth markets are lodging (14%), office (11%) and commercial (8%); together these three markets represent 33% of nonresidential buildings for 2016.With the exception of commercial construction, all are strong markets but growing slower than in 2015. Growth expectations in these markets were supported by FMI’s Second Quarter Nonresidential Construction Index (NRCI) report. Construction executives answering the NRCI survey increased their optimism to drive the total NRCI Index score from 55.6 in the first quarter to 61.3 in the second quarter.
Randy Giggard, FMI’s Manager, Marketing Information, states, “Despite all the distractions (Fed rates, oil prices, China, Brexit, terrorism), the construction industry continues to plod along undeterred at a growth rate of 6%. The prudent among us will keep watch for signs of the next recession. But at this time, it seems most likely that the industry will continue to expand for at least another 18 months.”
Current conditions are looking good for the construction industry:
- Interest rates remain relatively low for borrowers building homes and commercial projects.
- Unemployment remains low, so more people have jobs and are spending money—on the other hand, low unemployment translates into higher wages and difficulties finding workers.
- The consumer price index (CPI) shows little sign of inflation. Oil and energy prices also remain low. The numbers lead us to expect continued growth that could be sustained for several years.
However, there are tensions behind the numbers. Oil and gas producers mostly need higher prices to keep people employed and make a profit. This is especially true for those countries that derive most of the country’s income from oil and gas production. The Federal Reserve has been looking for an opportunity to raise interest rates to encourage banks to lend and savers to save, but wages have not shown much sign of rising rapidly for the working class although unemployment remains below 5%. Even though current conditions are mostly good, we can see there is tension in the economy and wonder what changes will come in the summer.
About FMI
FMI is the leading provider of management consulting, investment banking† and people development services to the engineering and construction industry. We work in all segments of the industry providing clients with value-added business solutions, including:
- Strategic Advisory
- Market Research and Business Development
- Leadership and Talent Development
- Project and Process Improvement
- Mergers, Acquisitions and Financial Consulting†
- Compensation Benchmarking and Consulting
- Risk Management Consulting
Founded by Dr. Emol A. Fails in 1953, FMI has professionals in offices across the U.S. FMI delivers innovative, customized solutions to contractors; construction materials producers, manufacturers and suppliers of building materials and equipment, owners and developers, engineers and architects, utilities, and construction industry trade associations. FMI is an advisor you can count on to build and maintain a successful business, from your leadership to your site managers. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Media Contacts
Rebecca Esler
FMI Corporation
(919) 785-9209