2021 CIRT Sentiment Index: First Quarter Report
The first quarter of 2021 results show signs of stabilization and some amount of recovering confidence for both the Sentiment Index and the Design Index. The Sentiment Index increased slightly from last quarter, from 54.2 to 55.5, and the Design Index remained constant at 64.8. Both suggest continued and improving demand in the future.
This stability is reflective of the cautious optimism for the year ahead, especially compared to the significant economic losses experienced through 2020. Looking ahead, reduced political uncertainty, beginning phases in deployment of multiple coronavirus vaccines, a second round of government stimulus and improved owner/client confidence will all contribute to heightened expectations.
For first quarter 2021, we polled CIRT membership on various internal metrics, including backlog, firm capacity and hiring goals. Within the report, these results were compared to those collected during first quarter 2020. Current issues questions also asked respondents to identify a variety of top economic risks and policy or regulatory concerns for the year ahead.
