Architectural Billings Index: August 2021’s national Architectural Billings Index of 55.6 was down 1.0 point from July’s 56.6, which is within the expansionary zone, (>50). U.S. architecture firms specializing in institutional, multifamily residential, and commercial / industrial facilities all reported an increase in design activity in August.

The design contracts sub-index decreased by 1.4 points to 56.6. Regional monthly scores were – South: 52.5, West: 57.2, Midwest: 55.2, and Northeast 51.7.

The Architectural Billings Index (ABI) is a leading economic indicator that provides an approximately nine to 12-month glimpse into the future of nonresidential construction spending activity. The results are seasonally adjusted to allow for comparison to prior months. Scores above 50 indicate an aggregate increase in billings, and scores below 50 indicate a decline.

Figure 1 lists the overall ABI and its sub-indexes. It presents and compares monthly and 3MMA data, showing percentage point change on both a three and 12-month basis, as well as momentum. Green denotes positive change, while red indicates negative. National momentum, (3-month y/y minus 12-month y/y) was up 21.5% while design contract momentum increased 12.8%. Regionally, all zones posted a positive momentum, ranging from 27.0% in the South to 33.0% in the West. Multifamily residential, commercial / industrial, and institutional facilities also all posted positive momentum.

At Gerdau, we follow the ABI because it is a leading indicator of non-residential construction activity with an approximate nine to 12-month lead time to groundbreaking. The ABI has a proven track record and, as such, it is useful for business planning purposes.