Why Construction Projects Feel More Complex Than Ever
Construction firms are facing headwinds from several directions, with labor, materials, energy and...
Devin Bell, Associate Economist
Devin Bell joined ConstructConnect as the Associate Economist in April 2025, tracking key industry construction trends and data. He reports on industry-leading indicators, including the Project Stress Index, the Expansion Index, and the Data Center Report. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in economics.
August Expansion Index Marks the 13th Consecutive Month of Expansionary Readings
The Expansion Index for August 2026 came in at 1.30, a 30% year-over-year increase in ideated...
Construction Material Inflation Outpaces Bid Prices
Construction material inflation reached 9% year over year in June, its highest level since late...
Copper Costs Surge as Supply Disruptions and Infrastructure Demand Converge
Copper prices have risen nearly 30% over the past year, according to the Producer Price Index,...
Civil Construction Carries Post-COVID Momentum into 2026
Civil construction starts have rapidly grown, driven by federal legislation as well as private...
July Expansion Index Extends Growth Streak to 12 Months
The Expansion Index for July came in at 1.53, representing a 53% year-over-year increase in ideated...
U.S. Inflation and Wholesale Prices Cool, but Oil Risk Clouds Outlook for Construction
U.S. consumer and wholesale inflation both cooled in June, easing immediate pressure on the Federal...
Project Stress Index™ Report Shows Rise in June with Increase in Abandonments and On Hold Activity
The ConstructConnect Project Stress Index™ (PSI) closed June 2026 at 109.0, marking a 23.9%...
ICE Enforcement Cut Construction Labor Supply, NBER Paper Finds
Construction employment growth has been slow over the past two years, with immigration enforcement...
Inflation Could Accelerate According to NABE Survey: What it Means for Construction
Higher inflation expectations could cause the Federal Reserve to hold rates steady, as the majority...