Architectural Billings Index: February’s 2024 national Architectural Billings Index of 49.5 was up 3.3 points from January’s 46.2, which is below the expansionary zone, (>50). U.S. architecture firms specializing in Multifamily Residential and Commercial/Industrial all reported a decrease in design activity in February.

The design contracts sub-index increased by 1.4 points to 51.1. Regional monthly scores were – South: 47.7, West: 47.2, Midwest: 50.8 and Northeast 44.0.

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 3.9% while design contract momentum increased 3.5%. Regionally, Midwest, South and West, all posted a positive momentum, ranging from 2.7% in the South to 6.3% in the West. Commercial/Industrial, Institutional and Multi-Family Residential facilities also posted a 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.