The Dodge Momentum Index rose 7.1 percent in February to 149.0 (2000=100) from the revised January reading of 139.1. The institutional component of the Momentum Index jumped 26.3 percent during the month, while the commercial component was essentially flat.
February’s Momentum Index marked the highest levels in nearly three years as a result of a surge in large projects that entered planning. It remains to be seen if this level of activity, especially in the institutional sector, is sustainable given the tenuous economic recovery and rising material prices. Institutional planning projects in February were concentrated in large hospitals and labs, while commercial planning projects primarily included data centers, warehouses and office projects. Compared to a year ago, the overall Momentum Index was up 9.2 percent; the commercial component was 15.2 percent higher, while the institutional component was down 3.3 pe
