The construction sector posted mixed results in August as economic pressures and fluctuating interest rates continued to shape activity.
Public infrastructure projects kept nonresidential construction afloat, while private investment remained limited. Starts posted a sharp rise in August, boosted by optimism around more rate cuts, but the backlog eased as financing costs finally weighed on contractor confidence.
Input prices stabilized, providing some relief, while planning activity improved in August.
Overall, the data points to cautious optimism for the coming months. Read on for the details.
