Associated Builders and Contractors’ Construction Confidence Index reading for staffing improved in March, while the sales and profit margins readings fell.
The readings for all three components remain above the threshold of 50, indicating expectations for growth over the next six months.
Respondents who completed the survey after the April 2 tariffs announcement were less confident. Fewer than 26% of respondents expected their profit margins to expand over the next six months, while more than 40% expected them to contract.
ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator increased to 8.5 months in March—up 0.3 months since March 2024.
"Backlog increased in March and contractors remained optimistic regarding the future, but this largely reflects contractor activity and sentiment prior to April 2, when the most consequential economic policy in several decades was announced," ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu said in a statement.
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