AGC

WASHINGTON, D.C. - June 2, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Construction spending inched up for the second straight month in April, 0.4 percent – following downward revisions to the March spending figures – thanks to increases in private nonresidential and home-improvement spending, the Associated General Contractors of America reported today in an analysis of new Census Bureau data. Association officials noted, however, that the gains were tempered by sluggish homebuilding and declining levels of public investment in construction

WASHINGTON, D.C. - May 12, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Contractors were only able to partially pass on the costs of rising petroleum and metals prices in April, according to an analysis of producer price index figures released today by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). Association officials said the resulting cost squeeze—a result of sluggish demand for construction—will push more construction employees and firms out of work unless public officials act promptly to encourage public and private investment.

April 14, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Contractors’ financial position grew more precarious in March as prices for key materials escalated while prices construction firms charge for completed projects stayed flat, according to an analysis of producer price index figures released today by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). Association officials said contractors’ inability to pass costs along imperils the industry’s comeback and urged federal officials to act on a series of recovery measures the group outlined last month.

March 16, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Financial pressures on contractors grew worse in February as prices for key construction materials rose sharply even as prices construction firms charge for completed projects remained stagnant, according to an analysis of producer price index figures released today by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). Association officials said the price squeeze will make it harder for the construction industry to recover and urged federal officials to act on a series of recovery measures the group outlined yesterday

PHOENIX, AZ - March 15, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- The Associated General Contractors of America released a new national plan today detailing measures to stimulate demand for construction. Officials said the plan was needed to reverse construction employment declines that have taken place in 317 out of 337 metro areas since January 2007, according to new data the association released today.

February 4, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Finding Ways to Encourage Private Sector Energy Upgrades Will Do More to Cut Emissions and Create New Jobs than any “Cap & Trade” Scheme, Top Construction Official Notes

December 16, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Huge jumps in prices for diesel fuel and copper—two key inputs to construction—pinched contractors in November as weak demand for construction forced them to hold down bid prices despite the cost increases, according to an analysis of November producer price index figures released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Prices for materials used in construction climbed 0.5 percent in November and 4.8 percent over the past 12 months, while price indexes for finished buildings remained flat over both time periods. The PPI for finished goods went up 0.4 percent for the month and 3.5 percent year-over-year.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - November 24, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Construction employment expanded in 29 states between September and October, while fewer people are working in construction compared to last year in 39 states, the Associated General Contractors of America reported in an analysis of state employment data released today by the Labor Department. The new figures continue a nearly year-long trend of ups and downs in construction employment as the industry performs stimulus-funded work yet grapples with broad market uncertaint