Construction spending slips
U.S. construction spending unexpectedly dipped as high interest rates and consumer fatigue weigh on building activity—pressure that can tighten demand for lumber, drywall, and big-ticket renovation items. ( markets.financialcontent.com )
The U.S. Census Bureau's Value of Construction Put in Place shows total construction spending at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $2,190.4 billion in January 2026, a 0.3% decline from the revised December 2025 estimate. (census.gov)) Private construction spending slipped 0.6% to $1,661.2 billion in January, with private residential falling 0.8% and private nonresidential down about 0.4% month‑over‑month. (census.gov)) Public construction rose 0.6% in January, and analysts noted total public outlays — driven by gains in highway and street work — hit a series high in the month. (pnc.com)) January's pullback followed a revised 0.8% jump in December 2025 and missed economists' consensus, which had forecast a 0.1% gain for January. (money.usnews.com)) Trade groups flagged broad private weakness: the Associated Builders and Contractors reported that nine of 16 nonresidential subcategories declined in January and said private nonresidential spending has moved lower from its late‑2023 peak. (abc.org)) The Census announced the February and March 2026 monthly construction‑spending releases were rescheduled and will be issued on May 7, 2026. (census.gov))
