GDP Revision Improves Construction Outlook

 |  from Reed Construction Data:Notes from Jim Haughey

There was good news for the construction outlook in today’s small upward revision of 1st quarter GDP growth from 0.6% to 0.9%. The revision increased construction spending, reversing the false assumption by the Bureau of Economic Analysis that nonresidential construction activity fell in March. The revisions also cut unwanted inventory accumulation, a potential depressant on business investment and cut the trade deficit, a sign that foreign demand for US goods continues to expand. A marginal rise in corporate profits was reported for the 1st quarter, after a big dip the previous quarter. This is positive for both business confidence and the ability to finance facility investments from cash flow.