by Calculated risk 5/07/2025 04:01:00 PM
From Dodge Data Analytics: Dodge Momentum Index will increase by 1% in April
The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI), published by the Dodge Construction Network, rose 0.9% in April, up 205.1 (2000 = 100) from the March reading revised down to 203.1. For a month, commercial plans increased by 3.3%, while institution plans fell by 4.2%.
“Despite the April increase, much of DMI’s growth was driven by a surge in data center plans, but the momentum of other non-resident sectors is behind“The Dodge Construction Network’s Associate Director of Forecasts Sarah Martin said: “Owners and developers are navigating the growing economic and policy uncertainty that likely has halted most of their planning activities this month.”
The wave of data center projects participating in the plan played a key role in fostering commercial growth. Without the data center, commercial plans would have retreated by 2.3% in April. And the overall DMI would have retreated by 3.0%. This month, office and hotel plans featured sharp hideouts, but warehouse and retail plans were checked sparingly. On the institutional aspect, planning momentum was reduced due to education, healthcare and government buildings. This was slightly offset by an increase in recreational projects.
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The DMI is a monthly measure of the value of non-resident building projects and has been shown to guide construction spending on non-resident buildings by year.
Emphasis added
Click on the graph for larger images.
This graph shows the Dodge Momentum Index since 2002. The index was 205.1 in April, up from 220.9 in the previous month.
According to Dodge, the index leads “construction spending on non-resident buildings all year round.” The index suggests mid-2025 pickups, but uncertainty could affect these projects.
Commercial construction is usually an economic indicator that lags behind.
