AGC's Data DIGest: April 22 – April 26, 2013
Construction has mixed impact on first-quarter GDP; AIA, NABE surveys point to upturn
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Real (net of inflation) gross domestic product (GDP) increased 2.5% at a seasonally adjusted annual rate in the first quarter of 2013, after growing 0.4% in the prior quarter, the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported on Wednesday. Real private investment in nonresidential structures (including wells and mines) slipped 0.3%, after jumping 17% in the fourth quarter. Real residential investment climbed 13%, following a 18% gain. Real government investment in structures shrank for the 10th consecutive quarter, at a 5.6% rate, following a 2.6% decline. The price index for private nonresidential structures posted a 1.5% increase at a seasonally adjusted annual rate, similar to the previous quarter’s 1.4% rise. The price index for residential investment accelerated to 5.2% from 3.0% as strong demand from single- and multifamily builders pushed up prices for homebuilding materials. The price index for government investment rose at a 2.3% rate, up from 1.7%. [node:read-more:link]