Mar 2024

CIRT Sentiment Index: First Quarter 2024

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Thinking about the first quarter of 2024, CIRT members recorded much stronger optimism across index components, including sentiment toward the U.S. economy, the economy where members operate, members’ construction businesses and the nonresidential sector.

The overall index score rose to 64.9 from 58.9 in the fourth quarter of 2023. The Design Index also increased sharply to 74.3 from 62.7.

Key findings include:

  • Backlogs remain strong, with 9 out of 10 members maintaining backlogs well into 2025.
  • Firm capacity is also healthy, with 70% of members reporting levels greater than 80%.
  • 45% of respondents are involved in the Million Women in Construction initiative, with the goal of increasing the number of women in the construction industry over the next decade.

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